Thanks to everyone for holding things together over the busy Xmas / New Year period, it was a busy time while I was away.

Great reports on Paulette’s fishing competition on the Opua Wharf. There were over 70 kids and they had an awesome day with over 80 fish weighed in. Many thanks to all the sponsors for prizes, FNH for giving access to the wharf and Paulette’s effort putting it all together. The Club is keen to see what we can add to it next year if Paulette is happy to run it again.

The Christmas cruise organised by Ian Templeman had a delayed start due to weather but they headed from Oki Bay round Cape Brett to Whangamumu then down the coast to Whangaruru with various boats joining for different legs. A great cruise despite the low numbers, hopefully we can encourage more launch owners to come to the next BBQ / cruise on the 1st February.

In The Galley Peini had 3rd of January off so we hosted a Burger Night with a group of us cooking around 80 burgers in 3 hrs to provide food for members and visitors coming into the Club. The night was a good success and everyone seemed pretty happy and well fed by the end of the evening.

Bay of Islands Sailing Week – Monday night 19th to Friday 23rd

The Club is still open to everyone as usual but to simplify things after Monday night we close our inside bar and everything is sold through the Bay Sailing Week bars outside in the tents.

We have live music every night, it’s a good, fun vibe, so even if you are not involved in the racing please come on down and enjoy the fun. Apologies for any inconvenience for having the carpark closed for the race days while the tents are set up.

We have around 50 entries this year, down a bit from previous years but it looks like fresh winds which is certainly going to bring lots of excitement and chaos out on the water. There should be some good lies in the club after racing.

There will also be a merchandise stand inside the club if anyone would like to see the latest Sailing Week Fashion Styles.

Thanks again for everyone’s help and enthusiasm and hopefully see many of you enjoying the activities at the club over the next couple of weeks.

Cheers
Terry Dunn – OCC Commodore

From right to left… BOI Sailing Week last year, the team cooking burgers and Ian’s Christmas Cruise

Terry Dunn – OCC Commodore

Terry grew up in Wellington, learning to sail in extreme conditions and spending his formative years in the Sea Scouts rowing around on pitch black nights playing Smugglers and sinking the enemy. He has never lost his love of just “playing around in boats”.

He moved to the Bay of Islands in his twenties and purchased the classic gaff cutter Aorere. It was also the start of many years cruising the Bay of Islands, the Northland coast and offshore voyages to the Pacific.

In 1990, he started Great Escape Yacht Charters and Sailing School to provide affordable sailing options in the Bay. Over the years, he operated a fleet of 14 yachts, passing on his enthusiasm and love of sailing to Kiwis and international visitors alike.

Now retired, Terry is currently a relief skipper with the R Tucker Thompson, and we are delighted to have him as the Club’s Commodore this year.