With the weather gods on our side, the 2024 Power Opening Day at South of Perth Yacht Club was an afternoon enjoyed by all and the beautiful Autom day made it a great day to be out on the water enjoying the festivities and perfect for the Commodores Trophy race.  

The event commenced with guests and competitors arriving in the Yachties bar for the pre-ceremony refreshments and drinks before making their way to the Ballroom for the Ceremony, speeches and the firing of the cannon. The Power captain (Maria Cook) also announced and awarded the winner of the Rodney Nott shield to the 2024 winner. Amanda Watson was awarded this trophy for her contributions to the club over the many years and her continuing support to the club in all areas. Congratulations to Amanda and thank you to you for all your ongoing support, commitment, and work that you have done and continue to do so for the club. 

Once the formalities were done and the 63rd Power Yacht Time trailing season opened the Past Commodores, Management team, Flag officers and Captains along with the VIP guests made their way down to the jetty for the Sail-Past.  

The Sail-Past brought colour and a festive atmosphere to the river with boats (Both Sail and Power) decorated in many forms including Legacy dressing up with the Star Wars theme inline with the date being the 4th May or as we say May the Fourth be with you. We also had Flags from across the globe and from our own backyard that where flying high and we even had our own surf lifesaving boat out ready to rescue anyone who needed it.  

The time trial race saw a combined 24 boats out on the water following course 401 along the river, including 3 yachts. David Pearce and Tom Tobin claimed the Darkside Trophy with their yacht Scalloway. We also had the H28’s sailors and regular checkpoint and start box volunteers looking out and making sure everyone had a smooth event on the river.  

Results were held back in the Ballroom where guests and competitors enjoyed more refreshments, buffet dinner and live music by the Howie Morgan trio. The winner of the Commodore’s Trophy was Steve Wall and Sharon Horne from Amazon.  

Next week we have the Sherwell Family Trophy which honours past member Avon Sherwell.  

Results: 

PORT Fleet 

  • 1st – Scalloway David Pearce and Tom Tobin (70 Points)  
  • 2nd – Fremantle Doctor Peter Vlaar and Graeme Brown (86 Points) 
  • 3rd – Ondine Michael Honer and Leanne Fallows (141 Points) 

STARBOARD Fleet 

  • 1st – Amazon Steve Wall and Sharon Horne (6 Points) 
  • 2nd – Stillwater Justin Taylor and Helen Taylor (8 Points) 
  • 3rd – Thanet Guy Skinner and Fiona Lyons (9 Points) 

Last but not least, I would like to thank our returning and new season sponsors for their continued support to the season and section. Without them we couldn’t do what we do week in and week out.  

Justine Barron