April – September, 2022

The Season of Sail series of events is a magnificent way to enjoy the companionship and camaraderie of like minded sailors as you make your way to the Whitsundays for the iconic SICYC Shag Islet Rendezvous.

Each event along the way will host and run their own unique events and all are sure to be thoroughly enjoyable.

As we get closer to the commencement of this series, information will be distributed and contact information for each event will be shared.

In the meantime, if you have any questions about and of the Season of Sail events, please get in touch.

Contact: Greg Canning,
Email: [email protected]

IMPORTANT
Season of Sail Hoodies are now available for pre-order from our webshop.

29 April – 6th May 2022

Sunday 1 May – SICYC BBQ at The Basin with the famous rat races. 

The destination is the BBQ area at The Basin, you can either cruise to Coasters Retreat or catch the ferry from Palm Beach. RPAYC will be providing BBQ sausages to raise funds for Prostrate Cancer, bring your own beverages and anything else you want to drink. 

Monday 2 May to Friday 6 May – opportunity to cruise the fabulous waters of Pittwater. 

Friday 6 May at 7pm – Official Rendezvous Dinner at RPAYC, bookings essential. Book online at https://rpayc.com.au/sailing/cruising/first-friday-booking-form/ or call the club reception on 02 99983700.

HOSTED BY ROYAL PRINCE ALFRED YACHT CLUB

More details and bookings: rpayc.com.au/sailing/cruising

Sailing Pittwater offers a unique experience with its beautiful bays and beaches. Explore the natural beauty of the Ku Ring Gai National Park and Pittwater while enjoying this fun and exciting event – the beginning of the SICYC Season of Sail series.

Contact: David Williams 0481 123 826

Email: [email protected]

13th – 16th May 2022

From the sandy beaches, across the Lake to the highest peaks of the Watagan Mountains, adventure awaits at every turn when you join the Season of Sail Lake Macquarie event.

Lake Macquarie offers beautiful, calm sailing grounds fringed with a hive of activities and locations to get to know new and old friends alike.

We have been thinking as this is the weekend of the Super Power Boats on The Lake we would try and keep it simple.

Friday Night 13^th– Teralba Bowling Club for Asian Food and Fishing Club Meat Raffles- hosted by Teralba Lakesiders Fishing Club.

Members will organise to pick up by boat or car for anyone wishing to attend.

Can be accessed by tender or dinghy as there is a bridge to go under. Access by water or road. Raffles 6pm and merchandise sales.

Saturday 14^th– Lunch at Wangi Wangi RSL- Away from the maddening Crowd with a beautiful big jetty. Fishing Club Meat and Seafood Raffles from 1pm to 3pm, Best Chinese Food in The Area.

Walk up to local Bakery for the absolute best bread in NSW, shops are tops and home of Sir William Dobell.

Sat Night– Dinner in Belmont at the Local Yacht Club or short wander up the hill to The Gunyah Hotel, a Top Class Restaurant.

Shops are close by with Woolies and other shops in walking distance.

Sunday 15^th– To Be Confirmed but hope to have BBQ Lunch with Marine Rescue, tours of Swansea and Pelican Bases and a few fun activities for those up to it.

Monday 16^th– Breakfast by the water at one of several great local cafes.  Tide dependant so location will be advised shortly.  All options are near to scenic walking paths.

We’ll have up to date info on Hunter Valley Events as well in case anyone wishes to book themselves on an excursion.

I have it on very good Authority that a special guest will be looking for a passage North with one of the cruising company… Stay tuned!

Contact: Ian Guy
Email: [email protected]

21st – 28th May 2022

The Clarence River system provides an attractive and sheltered sailing area, well worth exploring well up to its upper reaches.

There is a ‘platform lifting’ bridge which provides access for masted vessels up to approximately 35 metres with 24 hours (generally) notice.

The Clarence River (The Big River, The Mighty Clarence) is the largest river on Australia’s east coast, located 100 n.miles south of the Gold Coast Seaway and 54 n.miles north of Coffs Harbour. From its ocean mouth at Iluka/Yamba, the Clarence has 40 n.miles of navigable waterways to the inland city of Grafton.

Before the advent of reliable roads and the railway, the Clarence was a major economic highway with a steady passage of commercial vessels and barges transporting a huge variety of produce and cargo from the tablelands on the Great Divide, timber and sugar cane from the broad river flats for export by coastal vessels at the river mouth.  Eight river port towns were established to service the commercial activity and growing communities along the Big River.

The Program

Sat 21^st May                                         Iluka to Maclean  (8.5nm approx.)

9.30am                  Meet at  Bundjalung Sports Shop (Earle’s) for coffee (opposite Fisherman’s Co-Op)          Distribution of Welcome/Info packs to crews who have not received one.

                                Short briefing on river trip and mooring details at Maclean.  Listening watch VHF 72 ‘MV Que Onda’  (Daily radio sched at 0830 hours re river info, destination and anchorages)

                                12.30hrs                12.30  Harwood Bridge opening -at 12.30pm.  (All must be ready to go through)

                                                                Harwood to Maclean.  (3nm approx.) Pontoon or anchor on west side of river.

                                16.30hrs                4.30pm – Official Welcome to the River (wear SICYC Shirts) Pontoon area

                                17.30hrs                5.30pm  Table booked at Maclean Bowling Club

Sun 22nd May                                      Maclean free day  (see info in Welcome packs)

12.30hrs                (Optional) Lunch at Sanctus Boutique Brewery – table and courtesy bus booked for 1 pax please advise Stu prior how many of your crew participating. Booking can be extended if necessary. Meet at Mclaughlin Park in front of pontoons at 12.00hrs

Mon 23rd May                                     Maclean to Brushgrove (11.3nm approx.)  Overnight Pontoon and anchorage

                                 12.00hrs               Brushgrove Hotel. BYO Picnic on back terrace (NO BYO GROG) Pay bar at Pub.                                                                                      Local Bush Poet, Bill Kearns 12.30hrs– Floral shirts.

Tues 24^th May                                       Brushgrove to Grafton (10.5nm approx.)

Anchor at new bridge. Dinghy upstream to pontoon at Prince Street/Crown Hotel and explore Grafton. See brochures in Welcome Pack

Overnight anchorage at Corcoran Park (2nm downstream) opposite Elizabeth Island.  Please don’t anchor in front of the jetty or boat ramp                                                                BBQ facilities, Toilets. Fun Jam session – bring musical instruments or voices.

Wed 25^th May                                       Grafton – Ulmarra then onto Lawrence for Overnight

                                0730hrs                 Watch race horses and greyhounds exercising in the river (rowed out) after sunrise

Lunch stop at Ulmarra (5.8nm approx.) – Great pub, Food Co-op and ice creamery, general store at the Servo. Amazing book shop, historic buildings, antiques shops and galleries

17.30hrs                Overnight at Lawrence anchorage (9.5nm approx.)–                                                                       5.30pm Lawrence Tavern dinner. 6.30pm Quiz and puzzle games. Floral shirts                                                  

Thur 26^th May                                       Lawrence to Harwood (14.9nm approx.)       Pontoon and anchorage                                                                                                                              (stop off for provisions at Maclean if necessary)

                                17.30hrs                Harwood Hilton 5.30pm – Great menu.  (Local entertainment)  Floral shirts

Fri 27^th May                                           Harwood to Yamba  (9nm approx.) Overnight – marina, anchor, Yamba Shores Pontoon

                                10.30am***         Harwood bridge opening at 10.30am (all must be ready to go through)

                                                                Explore Yamba. Walks, Lighthouse, shops, provisions. Fuel at Yamba Marina 664669896

                                17300hrs               5.3pm Farewell at Yamba Shores Tavern (SICYC shirts)

A little about the towns.

Iluka on the north side of the mouth is a town that was founded on the fishing industry which continues today.  There is an expansive and safe boat harbour, active Fisherman’s Co-op, an all-tide dinghy dock in front of the famous Sedges Hotel.

Yamba is located on the high headland on the southern side of the river mouth where a lighthouse and Pilot Station was established. These days it is a popular holiday destination on the ‘Surf Coast’. There is a full-service marina and small industrial area offering services and materials to visiting mariners if needed.  In addition to the fabulous Pacific Hotel on the headland looking out to the Clarence Bar and the ocean, the Yamba Shores Tavern is a recently established venue with a 30 metre pontoon in front of its deck and is most welcoming to boaties.

Harwood was established to accommodate workers and service the huge Harwood sugar mill. There is a floating pontoon that can accommodate two forty feet boats, opposite the hotel which is known locally as the ‘Harwood Hilton’. Always an excellent menu and setting and dog friendly.

Maclean’s heritage goes back to the 1860s when it was established by settlers from Scotland. There are the Highland Games over the Easter weekend every year and the over 200 tartan painted power poles are known as great visitor attractions. Maclean is an excellent provisioning town with an IGA and SPAR and water, electricity and pump-out on the two pontoons. The Maclean Hotel and the Bowlo both offer very good dining and there are three bottle shops

Lawrence was a significant commercial centre handling so much produce and cargo that it had a Customs House. In fact, it was more important than Grafton before the coming of the railway. It also was the site for the main broadcast radio 2NR (Northern Rivers) which covered the region. These days it’s a town of artists, retirees and hobby farmers but the Lawrence Tavern is a first class dining destination, a short walk from the dinghy pontoon in Sportsman’s Creek on the main jetty. The Tavern is dog friendly

Brushgrove and Cowper are located either side of the South Arm – Brushgrove on Woodford Island with Cowper on the mainland. They were the main boat and barge building towns. The Cowper Public School was established in the 1860s (still operating today), there were churches of many denominations and an asylum. There is a floating dock on the Cowper side that can take two boats and a dinghy pontoon in front of the Hotel on the Brushgrove side. Hospitality and menu are first-class and the pub is dog friendly.

Ulmarra was established on the south side of the Clarence because of the natural deep-water channel scoured by the river flow. The town serviced the dairying district of Southgate across the river and with the establishment of the butter factory it processed and distributed milk and dairy products for export and along the river. It is probably the best preserved of the river ports with an historic pub and wonderful, shady beer garden overlooking the river, a fabulous kitchen and is dog friendly.

Grafton came into prominence when planning for the north/south railway and it was decided that one crossing of the Big River at Grafton was much more practical than multiple estuarine crossings further downstream. Though a loss for Lawrence, Grafton is now a major regional city offering all services and facilities expected these days.  Access is good as far as water depth is concerned but at Elizabeth Island (approx. 2 n.miles from the Grafton bridge) there is a powerline crossing nominated at 17 metres HAT clearance. Vessels with less air-height can anchor at the new bridge and proceed by dinghy to the pontoon in front of the Crown Hotel at the end of Prince Street which is Grafton’s high street. Also of interest is Skinner St South Grafton which has a dinghy pontoon.

As with previous years the “Cruise on the Clarence” program will include stop overs at all the river towns and all the usual Shaggers camaraderie, eating, drinking and ‘hooten and hollerin’ plus numerous other activities and points of interest.

For crews contemplating joining us on the Clarence River there is a ‘Mariners Guide to the Clarence River’ online through the Clarence Valley Council and MyClarence websites.

There will be Welcome Info Kits available to all boats on the first day of the cruise with a detailed program for the week and lots of handy local knowledge.

We already have 8 registrations including 3 from last year, so looking forward to seeing lots of Shaggers on the Big River at the end of May.

Stu Walsh (Vice Commode)

Cell 0458 925 834  Email [email protected]

10th and 18th June 2022

The Gold Coast is a mecca for boats of all shapes and sizes, with an abundance of places to anchor and enjoy.

(www.evolutionsails.com.au) on the Gold Coast are offering a 10% discount for those taking part in the “Season of Sail” on all services whether it be sail repairs, check overs, UV inspections, and boom bag repairs /reinforcing, etc.  This also applies to any boats say at GCCM and Boat Works preparing to head north.

The Gold Coast Season of Sail event will surely be a highlight of your 2021 sailing calendar.

FRIDAY 10th JUNE 2022 – 4:00 – 8:00 pm
Beachside Campfire Welcome

Venue:
Rotary Broadwater Chapel – 95 Marine Parade, Southport QLD
Vessels can anchor in the Broadwater and tender right to the beach.

There is loads of (paid) parking right beside the venue (Metered parking at $2.40 per hour) We have access to 40 chairs, the outdoor balcony, the sound system and power. We are booked from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Mix and Mingle with sailing themed tunes over PA (great sound system) 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm – Jellurgal First Nations’ Welcome to Country, Dance Performance and exchanging of flags ceremony We will exchange an SICYC burgee for an indigenous flag. This flag is to then sail with our SOS fleet until it reaches the rendezvous, where it can then fly on our flag pole at Shag Islet. 5:30 pm – 5:45 pm – Official Welcoming of the SOS Fleet / Speeches (hopefully short and sweet) 5:45 pm – 6:30 pm – Dare I say it, Jimmy Buffet themed music over PA 6:30 pm to 7:45 pm – Duet – Mark and Stacey Peric – Acoustic performance of well know songs 8:00 pm Evening concludes Additional plans in place by me: I will try to organise a BBQ, a few serving tables and the fire-pit for the beachside campfire. I am asking all local members to bring; 1). Fold-up / camping style chairs for the SOS crews (as the venue only has 40 chairs) 2). Salads / Platters / Nibbles / And Cakes 3). Great spirits, huge smiles and a celebational attitude to welcome SOS crew to the Goldy NOTE: Drinks for the event will be BYO for everyone We’re hoping there’ll be more to come with the possibility of a Saturday nautical experience with a difference, and perhaps a trip to Pacific Fair!  Stay tuned for updates. As you up through the Beautiful Morton Bay there’s no need to rush…  Take in a day at Straddy, a night or 2 at Dux Anchorage, and a lazy afternoon or evening at teh Little Ships club.  Your local host Evan Johnston has a wealth of knowledge about the area, what to do and where to go and is always happy to help out with whatever he can.

Contact: John Linton 0427 814 553 (Gold Coast)

                   Evan Johnston 0422 433 093 (Moreton Bay)

Email: [email protected]

               [email protected]

2nd – 3rd July 2022

Northern Moreton Bay is a beautiful sailing ground and a perfect location to host an event such as this. 

Your days will be filled with pristine sailing while we have a little something special planned for your time ashore.  If you are wanting to spend some time exploring Brisbane we’ve managed to secure something unheard of…  Dockside MArina are offerring FREE MARINA BERTHS to all SOS Cruisers .  The Free berths won’t have power or Water available, but if you need those facilities the Marina Manager Ken Allsop will do his best to accomodate you.  Please call Ken directly on 0413 616 268.

W’ere also holding an event at the Iconic Story Bridge Hotel on Saturday July 2nd.  This event will welcome both Cruisers and local Vice Commodores for an afternoon of comradary and great conversations.  The best part is that it is literally a 200Metre walk from Dockside Marina!  We’ll be kicking off at 3pm in the lounge section of the Shelter Bar and for anyone who wants to kick on, dinner is available, and closing time is well past Cruisers Midnight!

Contact: Steve Hartley 0422 627 896
Email: [email protected]

9th – 10th July 2022

After safely crossing the infamous Wide Bay Bar, relax and meet up with fellow Shaggers at the famous and yachty friendly Kingfisher Bay resort. Explore or revisit the amazing Great Sandy Straights.

Contact:  Warwick Suttor 0418 426 303

Email: [email protected]

16th – 17th July 2022

The port of Bundaberg offers many must see attractions.  Not least of course is the World Famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery

Contact:  Ginny Bakker

Email: [email protected]

23rd – 24th July 2022

Often overlooked and thought of as an industrial port looking just a little deeper reveals a place of utter beauty and nautical delights. 

The Gladstone crew will be hosting a BYO bbq at the marina.  Gladstone marina has lovely facilities & we will grab a shelter with a bbq.  An afternoon get together around 3pm is the plan.  We’ll let the local shaggers know to head down and join in.  Rob the boat manager for VMR & another VMR skipper Mal are both shaggers & between them they just about know everyone!!!  They also can help with any local knowledge questions people have.  

Contact:   Kerri Bates (0422) 939 608

Email: [email protected]

30th – 31st July 2022

The Capricorn Coast – the first real taste of the beautiful sailing grounds that are North Queensland. Here you will be surrounded by striking islands, coral reef fringed beaches and an atmosphere that will set you in the mood for the Season of Sail that lies ahead.

Contact: Phil Rohlf  0418 184 764

Email: [email protected]

6th – 7th August 2021

Mackay – gateway to the beautiful Whitsundays! Based at the Mackay Marina Village, this Season of Sail Event will be an exciting and enlightening event.

Each day you will enjoy the fun and excitement of likeminded sailors from all over the world – next stop, the fabulous Whitsundays!

Contact: Tiana and Gary Fry 0408 553 005

Email: [email protected]

18th – 20th August 2022

This is where the party atmosphere will really kick up a notch or three! The atmosphere at our Airlie Beach Season of Sail event will be electric. Everybody is out to enjoy the company of others while partaking in the activities planned for this event!

Contact: Stewie Scarborough 0468 616 295

Email: [email protected]

Last Full weekend in August 25th – 28th 2022

You made it! The world renowned Annual SICYC “Shaggers” Rendezvous.

People travel from all over the world just to be a part of this massively exciting event. Each day is filled with fun activities and the nights are for dining, enjoying the odd drink or 2 and partying into the wee hours (well, you know – about 10 o clock…).

It is surely an event that should be in every sailor’s calendar!

Contact: Greg Canning 0430 340 511

Email: [email protected]