We had a reasonable season, however our numbers are still below
previous seasons. A Grade is growing and B Grade is shrinking, while C
Grade is almost non-existent.
My thanks to Jesse Lockhart-Krause, who continues to assist and provide
fantastic support. Mark Fabik, also steps up and helps when needed.
The three wise men, John Cooper, Brook Emery & Martin Greenberg,
occupy the bench in front of the Club and provide commentary on the surf
conditions and all things surfing. They are three lifelong mates who are
part of the foundation of most mornings. Martin continues to act as the
Easter Bunny, providing Easter eggs for all, with the leftovers going to the
Patrol Members. JP’s daughter Sofia, was a guest starter, and will no doubt,
follow in Dad’s footsteps one day. Kathryn, in the Office, always found time
to print off the weekly race sheets, for which I thank her.
Leigh Emery, after a great article last year, followed up with a story of
a dramatic rescue he made from the helicopter, in its second year of
operation, that resulted in him, being dropped into the merk off Ben Buckler
and rescuing one of Bas MacDonald’s surfoplanes. Amazingly, he lived to
tell the story. Thanks, Leigh, the feedback is such that we all want another
story next season.
The Patrols provided excellent assistance and supported the races. The
IRB Drivers in the main followed directions putting the buoys as directed
and sat behind the northern buoy. We are losing another Patrol Captain,
who set the standard on Sunday morning whenever he was on. Mark, with
his wife Kristy and son Kai, are moving to Newcastle. They will be sincerely
missed, not just on a Sunday morning, but in many other areas of Club life.
We continue to have a team of photographers extraordinaire, who click
away each week and make the reports all that more interesting. My sincere
thanks to each of you.
Last season I reported “Once again, Members attendance in C grade, was
virtually non-existent. The Cadets are our future and we need to encourage
them to come down and develop their skills and hopefully become
competitors for the Club and at the very least better watermen and
women. I harp on about it, but it is very, very important. I can remember
when I joined, the Surf Races were mandatory and Alan Seeney would lock
up the Club after showing everyone out. I’m not suggesting we go back
to those days, but it should be part of our DNA.” I believe it is even more
relevant today.
The Mick Shearman Memorial is always a struggle to get Members to hang
around and do the resus after the races. We had two good days and the
following did one or both rounds: Rohan Ball, Michael Barry, Olivier Brisse,
Lucy Burke, Chris Cooper, Paul Cross, Nicholas Eulry, Jacob Ezrakhovich,
Mark Fabik, Michael Hallam, Jesse Lockhart-Krause (2), Kristy McIntyre, Dori
Miller, Thomas Nguyen, Brett Pattinson, Peter Quartly (2), Victor Touron,
John Wilcox & Sam Wolf.
It was great to see Board Members swimming and I believe Members
appreciate their participation and the camaraderie that their presence
gives. A special cheer to Brett, for making the trek down to the flags on 32
occasions, which is not a bad effort.
After the loss of Keiran Speed in May 2024 (post-season) we requested
that the Board of Management approve the A Grade Handicap Race to
be renamed the “The Keiran Speed Trophy”. It was agreed that Keiran’s
lifelong support and contribution to this event be recognised. Sadly, we
will be changing the name to a Memorial one. Keiran’s spirit will be with us
for as long as races are held. His influence on me and countless others will
continue well into the future. I will miss him, but whenever I see my son, I will
be reminded of him.
As I get older, I look forward to the coming seasons, what they offer to both
you and me and how we contribute to their success. To everyone who
made the journey, I hope you enjoyed the camaraderie and mateship as
much as I have. We have a great family, at Bondi and it is a privilege to be
a part of it.
SUNDAY
SURF RACE
Peter “Doc” Quartly
Race Secretary
59
117TH ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2023/24