The Yachtsman 2017-2018 The Yachtsman 2017-2018 | Page 18

C L U B YA C H T I N G
showed strength particularly with Kerrie and Mick’s son
Henri calling strategy. With the green Elliott 7 taking out
boat of the day.
The Mick Hole Memorial Trophy was presented by
Kerrie to an ecstatic Matt Crawford and his Flirtation team.
Taking out the golden snorkel award was Intermediate
Youth Development sailor Isabella Holdsworth who took
an unexpected dip when she missed the hiking straps. “The
water was cold” said a chilled Holdsworth.
Kerrie commented, “Thank you to the RPAYC for
honouring Mick this way. He would have loved to have been
sailing, we met and fell in love 30 years ago at the downstairs
bar, and then farewelled him at the same place 7 years ago.
Enormous thanks to the Race Committee and also Jason
Antill and Simon Grosser for initiating and following through.
Also to Rod, Kathryn, Grant, Henri and Grosser (the green
boat),and all the competitors, young and old”.
We sailed this weekend in honour of a very special
bloke, whose memory is a reminder to all present and future
members of what RPAYC is really all about. The world would
be a much better place with a few more Micks!
ABOUT MICK
Mick was the epitome of RPAYC spirit, until he sadly
passed away too soon at the age of 48, on May 19 th 2011.
Mick was a feisty character, but known for the biggest of
smiles and a happy outlook on life. He bravely fought a tough
battle right to the end, without complaint
Growing up on Pittwater, Mick was a keen surfer, and
windsurfer before getting into sailing like so many other local
kids through the “Kalori” sailing program at Pittwater High
School, and the efforts of teachers and RPAYC members Wal
Wardle, Alan Jones and Stan Walters. He raced the Yachting
World Diamond “Kalori” with good mate (and former
RPAYC member) Grant Crowle, and then campaigned with
Grant and Cameron Miles in “the Sting” at the 1984 Soling
C L U B YA C H T I N G
FRIENDS OF
Olympic trials in Adelaide.
Mick met “the love of his life” Kerrie Shimeld at RPAYC
in 1988, sailing in Bruce Dowse’s aptly named “Hot Tub”
and with Gavin Ward on “Abracadabra”.
Mick continued racing in Etchells as a long-time crew
member with Commodore John Berry on “Risky Business”,
and then with Bruce Wookie and Mark Richards narrowly
missing a podium finish at the Melbourne Nationals in
“Steam Packet” in 1998.
Together Mick and Kerry formed a formidable team on
and off the water, and with Mali and Henri joining the crew,
the young “Shim-Holes” raced and cruised their Sydney 36
“King Tide”, always punching above their weight (with Mick
letting his competitors know all about it, with that grin!).
Possibly the worst King Neptune ever at the RPAYC
Christmas Party for several years, he thought he was gorgeous
and was the life of the party.
Mick was a loyal member of Bob Oatley’s “Another
Duchess” crew, long before red shirts became so popular...
these days, everyone’s got one! Mick sailed in the crew of
Wild Oats 10, in the winning RPAYC Admirals Cup team
in 2003.
A real highlight of Mick’s sailing career and Club life was
the 2008 Laser Master Worlds, sailed off Terrigal.
An intrepid group of RPAYC members built a very close
bond, training through the winter in the lead-up to the
Worlds, always competitive but always in good spirit
Typical of Mick, he was in it for the fun and the
camaraderie, and no matter where he was placed in the fleet
(often upside down) remained as competitive as ever, and
always came up smiling.
If you look in the trophy cabinet, you’ll find the
“Golden Snorkel” award, which only a few specially talented
members have had the privilege of winning, initially awarded
to Mick Hole.
T
D AV I D B O O T H
he 2018 Friends of David Booth Race saw 51
yachts and over 400 competitors enjoy a fantastic
pursuit race from Bayview to Lion Island and a
finish off Taylors Point. Racing commenced at
1330hrs for the first boats with the Commodores
Farr 45 the final boat to start 50 minutes later.
The north easterly and 15-24 knots of wind had crews
working up to west head and popping kites for a fast ride
home once navigating their way around Lion Island. It was
a great show of the RPAYC spirit on Pittwater enjoying
sailing, camaraderie and clubman ship.
David Booth (Boothy) was a RPAYC Member for nearly
30 years. He was a great friend to many, and his tragic
passing in a yacht racing incident have left many Members
of RPAYC, as well as the greater sailing community, shocked
and saddened.
The ‘Friends of David Booth Trophy’ was established
which encapsulates the communal spirit of the Members of
the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club and will be displayed at
the Club for many years.
Chutney Mary, skippered by Trevor Bailey took the lead
this year and once rounding Lion Island fought of the fast
approaching fleet to cross the line first and become the 2018
Friends of David Booth Perpetual Trophy Winner.
Race Results
1. CHUTNEY MARY
Trevor Bailey
2. YOUNGER GENERATION
Sarah Ellis
3. ISOLDE
Peter Helm
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