Our 2020 Opening of the Boat Season 2020 took on a revised format due to COVID as we were unable to hold our traditional cruise, salute and sit-down lunch with our special invited guests on the hard stand.  

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This year would be a cruise, salute, and big club raft up in Refuge Bay as long as the weather was kind to us.

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Well the weather was spectacular and so was the sight of 15 immaculately presented BHCC boats on the cruise up Cowan Creek from Empire Marina. These boats include, The Main Game, Trilogy, Lahaina, Just Because, La Gitana, Five Star, Sequel, Harlequin, Unaccountable, Araluen, Serina, Andiamo, Silver Mist, Isola and Haven.

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Just outside of Refuge Bay Commodore Bruce Callaghan and Vice Commodore Grant Cunningham successfully completed a mid-river transfer to Rear Commodore Steve Raywards boat and took up position for the Salute under the north easternern headland of Refuge Bay.

Following the salute a couple of members unfortunately had to head off due to other commitments. Our challenge was now to somehow raft up across two BHCC moorings in Refuge Bay. Crews dropped fenders, prepared ropes, and one by one build and amazing 12 boat raft up with an additional boat Sanibel moored up nearby.

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Once finally all secured, guests and crews settled in for a lovely relaxing afternoon catching up with fellow members, enjoying drinks and nibbles in the afternoon sun. The Boat Season was then officially opened by Commodore Bruce ringing the bell and the best dressed boat awarded to Lahaina for their amazing hand crafted “We Love BHCC” banner, thanks Kath and Kevin.

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Cure Cancer fundraising Awards were also presented to Harlequin for the “Best Dressed Boat” competition and to Araluen for “Most Money Raised per boat”, thank you!

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Ten boats stayed on overnight to be greeted with another great day on Sunday. Sups and Lilypad’s were set up and the kids enjoyed some time in the water while others enjoyed a coffee and morning tea. Unfortunately, the weekend was coming to an end and the raft was broken early afternoon as we departed to our home ports.

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A massive thank you to all the skippers and crews involved in the weekend and the efforts you all put in with the presentation and decorating of your boats. The social side of our club shone on the weekend and it was fantastic spending time with so many of our great members. What an amazing Opening of The Boat Season in a year with so many uncertainties and challenges.

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Grant "Trilogy"