Trophy President

Trophy President

When his own trophy was not available to present for real at the Yachting Victoria awards on Thursday night, Phil Coombs (above left) was more than happy to substitute himself. That was until he saw who had won it - our MC for the night, Sandringham Yacht Club's Sail Captain, Mark Welsh (above right). None the less, our jovial, enigmatic and wonderfully friendly YV President took it all and more in his stride, as he presented countless awards and posed for just as many pics.

Held on what turned out to be a very damp night, and no, that was not just at the bar, the 2012 YV Club Marine Series and Association Cup Awards Night was exceptionally well attended. Even those caught in hour long traffic jams persisted, so as to be able to see friends and partake of the conviviality. Host club for the night, the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, was in full swing and their Commodore, the very glamorous Linda Goldsmith, was more than delighted to be showcasing the club and venue to all present. Incidentally, and despite all the traffic issues, the attendance was up by over 300%, so well done to you for making the effort and going on the stories and laughs, all had a wonderful time.

Yachting Victoria's CEO, Steve Walker, got us underway by thanking everyone for not only their attendance on the night, but also out on the racetrack, where 149 vessels had competed for the coveted trophies, during the course of the Summer. Steve was also keen to ensure the success of the Club Marine Series not only continued, but strengthened as well. To that end, Steve was also thrilled that so many people had been taking to the website to review the sensational pictures by the truly excellent Teri Dodds and terrific Alex McKinnon, who also took all the pics on the night, so well done there, as she missed out on drinks, whilst we all got in to them!

Steve Walker (left) presents the Vice Presdient's Trophy to RMYS - Linda Goldsmith holding the main plaque.

Steve Walker presents Captain David Ellis with the RJ Green Memorial Trophy. David, who is Club Captain at the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, has been instrumental in both the delivery of the Club Marine Series and importantly, the media associated with it. Thank you David and RYCV, from a very, very appreciative media team.

The main trophy of the night is the Range Trophy from the Club Marine Series and here is a very thrilled John 'Willow' Williams from Calm, after their win in Division Zero IRC and PHS.

Ultimately, many, many thanks to Club Marine for making the series what it was, to YV for ensuring there was a central point of contact, to the army of volunteers, administrators and officials that ensured each event day was a success and to our great shooters for their unceasing efforts. Finally, however, thanks be to you the Skippers and sailors for putting your boats and bodies on the line. See you all again soon.

PS. In the images below, some of the captions have not been applied, so if it is you or you know who it is and what it is for, then please email Alex McKinnon to have it updated - many thanks. Same applies to incorrect information, as well...