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Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club

Become a Vice Commodore of Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club

They call themselves Shaggers and are the loyal members of the Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club (SICYC)—a social network of cruising yachties and individuals who enjoy boating. “Shag islet was chosen as our nominal geographic location because of its idyllic location in the Gloucester passage in the Whitsundays,” explains Ken Thackeray, the founder of the club. “And of course, its unique name, which has now contributed to SICYC being so iconic.”

A phenomenally successful idea, the SICYC boasts more than 3500 members in 14 countries around the world. The club is also a charitable one. On the club website, the club states that, “We are registered as not for profit and our charity is the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Over the past four years we have raised over $170,000 for prostate cancer research.”

Unlike conventional yacht clubs with a board and hierarchy of officers, the SICYC registered all their members as Vice Commodores representing an individual nautical location such as an island, islet, river or bay, which they have some knowledge of, so as to be able to provide advice or assistance to other “vice commodores”.

“The SICYC offer a lifetime membership for a one-off fee of $60 that includes a club polo shirt, access to the members’ area website, a monthly newsletter and discounts available from a growing list of sponsor companies,” says Ken.

Your membership card number is 0010, the same number issued to every other member. The club prides itself on being exclusively non-exclusive . “The SICYC burgee flies from all members’ yachts, and is a rallying point out on the water across the world,” clarifies Ken. “Each member is entitled to fly the burgee and have the option to purchase the burgee when they join.”

Ken was recently awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) honouring his services to veterans, charitable organisations, and the Whitsunday volunteer marine rescue club. “The receipt of the OAM—while an incredible personal recognition—the greater significance is the recognition of the achievements of SICYC through its fund raising,” shares Ken. “In reality, the OAM hasn’t changed my life. However, it has indirectly ensured SICYC great credibility.”

During the last weekend of August the members are invited to the annual Rendezvous at Shag Islet, in the Whitsundays. When first conceived in 2009 Ken thought that he might attract 50 or so friends with yachts, only 34 yachts turned up that year. At the most recent 2014 Rendezvous, approximately 30 vessels travelled from the Gold Coast. These vessels added to a staggering 240 yachts that participated. Thankful for the support, Ken declares, “At last year’s rendezvous, 1,000 members helped to celebrate the boating lifestyle while raising money for prostate cancer.”

For those considering the journey to the 2015 SICYC Rendezvous on 27-30 August, will also want to lookout for the Hamilton Island Race Week which is staged two weeks prior to the SICYC event. Ken says “Quite a number of SICYC yachts compete in the Hamilton Island Race Week and in most cases, race under the SICYC burgee with the crew in SICYC uniform. In fact some years ago, one of the yachts won the event.”

Attending the 2015 Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club Rendezvous is a great opportunity to meet new friends and help raise money for a worthy cause. Visit the website to join www.sicyc.com.au .

By Andy Kancachian

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Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club invites you to join the party

A group of yachties who are big on fun but low on pretence are turning the traditional notion of bricks and mortar yacht club membership on its head with a club motto of ‘exclusively non-exclusive’ and a nick name widely known as ‘The Shaggers’.

The Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club (SICYC) is a virtual yacht club which has stripped away the traditional yacht club hierarchy and with it, the connection to a physical clubhouse. Created to maintain a network for cruising yachties, every member is a vice commodore and represents an individual nautical location (an island, islet, river or bay) about which they have some knowledge and a willingness to share advice or assistance with other vice commodores.  The SICYC has just reached 3,200 members which spread across 13 countries.

The club is named after Shag Islet, which is situated in the Gloucester Passage in the Whitsundays in North Queensland, and home to the club’s annual SICYC Rendezvous at which hundreds of vice commodores gather on the last weekend in August.

This year, close to 1000 cruisers are expected to converge on the tiny islet from August 28 to 31, for a three day festival of boating, music, and a good dose of over indulgence. Up to 240 yachts are expected to converge on the rendezvous point this year which is bigger than any other sailing regatta or rally in the country.

But while the Shag Islet yachties are united in their desire to not take life too seriously, they are also deeply passionate about using their collective enthusiasm and personal good fortune to help important causes.

This year, as part of their three day celebrations, they will create ‘hands across the blue’ where participating boats will form in the shape of a blue ribbon to represent the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia logo. Prostate Cancer is the charity of cause for the SICYC with many charity events run throughout the country by various members to raise awareness and funds for research. The club has raised $80,000 over the past three years through its social events.

Shag Islet vice commodore and Rendezvous organiser Ken Thackery said having a good time in the name of the good cause was representative of the culture of the club.

“Our members come from all over Australia and all walks of life – but most have got to a point in their life where they have achieved their own personal goals, they are in a position to enjoy life to the fullest – but at the same time want to contribute something back. Prostate cancer is something that has touched the lives of many of our vice commodores and supporting the Foundation to continue with research allows us to feel we are having a meaningful contribution.

“Clearly the annual Rendezvous is an opportunity for us all to let our hair down, socialise and let loose in a magical location – but do it with a good cause in mind makes it all the more enjoyable for us,” Ken said.

In fact, letting their hair down is yet another way the group raise funds for the Foundation, with haircuts on the beach for prostate cancer also available on the Friday morning, for those vice commodores who may have spent a bit too long at sea and require a spruce up before the festivities really get underway!

The meaningful contribution of this great event has definitely not been unnoticed with a host of high profile dignitaries attending the rendezvous to throw their support behind the great cause including:

–        Hon Peter Dutton MP Federal Minister for Health and Sport and Mrs Dutton

–        Professor Christian Gericke (Professor of Medicine) The  Wesley / St Andrews Medical Research Institute

–        Professor Jelle Barentsz from the Netherlands, World Leader in prostate MRI, co-author of a recent paper published with Doctor Les Thompson.

–        Doctor Les Thompson, Urological Surgeon (Leading International Prostate Cancer Researcher)

–        Mr Jim Hughes AM Deputy Chair Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia National Board

–        Jason Costigan MP State Member for the Whitsundays

–        Cr Jennifer Whitney Mayor of Whitsunday Regional Council

–        Danial Rochford CEO Whitsunday Marketing and Development Limited

With support from leading health and medical representatives and main sponsors Abell Point Marina and Ocean Marine Risk, the Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club would like to set the challenge to other yacht clubs and groups around Australia to rival this great event in order to raise awareness and money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia.

– Luke McCaul/Abel Point Marina

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Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club – A Shaggers Delight!

If you live and sail in Australia, you may well be a shagger, or indeed a friend of a shagger…

Here at YOTI our attention was first drawn to this unusual group when the founders of Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club, vice commodores Ken and Rhonda Thackeray, arrived to inspect a lovely Dufour 410 we had on the market through our brokerage. One inspection and they were in love. And only moments following this, our broker Greg was himself a fully fledged shagger!

  We were recently very pleased to hear that Ken has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the general division of this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Every year fundraisers are conducted through the club, including the annual rendezvous at Gloucester Passage, which last year attracted more participants than Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island race weeks.

We all wish to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ken and the many volunteers who work to bring such fun and generosity to the water.

– John Cowpe

John is a Director of Yoti and is based in our office at The Spit on Middle Harbour.

Founded in 2008, YOTI are an independently owned, market leading Australian boat brokerage. YOTI have built a reputation as highly professional, honest and transparent Boat Brokerage, using innovative Sales and Marketing techniques to represent the highest quality pre-owned vessels in Australia and Internationally.

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Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club

The Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club isn’t like other clubs. Their spiritual home is in the Gloucester Passage in the Whitsundays on a little islet that is only accessible at low tide. But the reach of the club knows no bounds, and they do it all for a good cause. Sally checks out one of Australia’s fastest growing yacht clubs at their annual member’s rendezvous in the Whitsundays. Every year the 5000 plus members make the pilgrimage from all over Australia, and some the world, to converge on the beaches of the Gloucester Passage in a combined show of support for Prostate Cancer Research. They pride themselves on being exclusively non-exclusive, and every member is a Vice Commodore. Membership to the club is only $65 and grants you access to a SICYC Polo, your Vice Commodore’s membership card, and a network of fun-loving, devoted yachties.

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Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club www.sicyc.com.au

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Up the creek with shelter island’s menantic yacht club.

By Robert Harris

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This past Sunday the sky may have looked menacing in West Neck Harbor, but it was a perfect day for Sunfish racing, and the sailors of the Menantic Yacht Club (MYC) took full advantage.

We held four regular races and then tacked on the annual Up West Neck Creek Race (UCR). It rained a little and the sun appeared on and off, but the southeast wind was fairly steady blowing at 8-9 knots and gusting to 12-13. I expected the stake boat to have a busy afternoon, but as far as I know, only one boat took that proverbial unexpected swim.

Several MYC sailors were out of town participating in various other races, including Lee Montes, Paul Zinger and Rich Prieto, who all attended the New York Downstate Sunfish Regional Championships at the Bay Shore Yacht Club, which is a qualifier for the Sunfish World’s.

Rich and Paul were able to come back in time to race with the MYC on Sunday. Paul knew there was a good chance that we were going to run the UCR, and, it being the only trophy he hasn’t won since racing with the MYC, he was determined to participate on Sunday.

For Rich and the rest of the racers including Peter Due, who sails his Sunfish from Cedar Point, the UCR was a happy surprise.

During the regular racing, John Modica not only unintentionally went swimming, but also tore his sail. He had to go to shore to retrieve a second sail since a MacGyver fix was impossible, missed a race, but returned just in time for the UCR.

The UCR is an annual race that is difficult under perfect conditions. You have to know the waters in West Neck Creek, there being many shallow areas, and the wind can be very fluky coming off the land. The stake boat drops a mark somewhere up the Creek.

Racers have to locate the mark, round it and head to the finish, which is between the Race Committee boat and Bill Martens’ dock. 

Of the 15 racers participating in regular racing on Sunday, 13 participated in the UCR. The southeast wind provided for a downwind start and we headed toward Montclair Colony.

A number of sailors were bunched together, with Linda Gibbs in the lead followed by Paul. As I mentioned above, knowing the waters is of the utmost importance because there are many shallow areas, the first of which is the point off Montclair. 

A number of boats ran aground at that point, but fortunately it didn’t hold anyone up for too long. I wanted to spice things up, so I asked Betsy Colby to tell the sailors that they could do a port or starboard rounding at the mark.

Individualist that he is, Charlie Modica was the only boat on port tack, but he managed to round in front of a large group, if you consider 13 boats large, and wound up in a really good position.

The west side of the course was favored and he was on it. At this point in the race, Paul, Charlie, Linda, Alicia Rojas and Eric Ryan were in the running for the trophy. I won’t say where I wound up, but most of the boats were already on their trailers by the time I finished.

In the end, Eric was first, Paul second and Charlie third. Congrats to Eric who also placed first in regular racing, and to everyone who sailed on Sunday.

Betsy Colby ran the races as usual, along with her crew of Deborah Mintz and Amy Cococcia.  She was able to run four races, two of which were very long, course T2, which is twice around the triangle. With only 15 boats participating on Sunday there was no drama, but one general recall. Good job all, and many thanks.

Betty Bishop captained the stake boat crewed by Dave Daly and Jodi Sisley, while Matt Fox captained the mark boat along with Rita Gates.  Many thanks, to all of you.        

There are only two more weeks of racing, so let’s have a good turnout for the last two series of races.

We are a very congenial family-friendly club, open to all. We may not have a clubhouse, but the sailing is great, the camaraderie is superb, and we just have tremendous fun.

All sailors, novice to expert, are welcome. Just show up in West Neck Harbor at 2 p.m. on any Sunday through Labor Day, check in with the Race Committee, giving them your full name and sail number, and be sure to bring your life jacket.

Non-sailors are also welcome to assist with the Race Committee boat and the stake boat. You can get more information about the MYC at the Facebook page: Menantic Yacht Club, or from Bob Harris at [email protected] , or 505-235-5844. Steve and Melissa Shepstone have a fleet of loaner boats available on a first to reserve basis. Contact Melissa at 203-206-1745 or [email protected] to reserve your boat.

See you on the water!

Results:                                Pts      Place

Eric Ryan                10       1

Charlie Modica                14        2

Alicia Rojas        16          3

Rich Prieto          16         4

Denise Fenchel                21             5

Joan Butler          29         6

Peter Due               31       7

Paul Zinger         35         8

Kate Duff                36       9

Bob Harris            36        10

John Modica       43         11

Ellen Leonforte    43      12

Linda Gibbs        43        13

Tom McMahon              54         14

Jonathan Brush             56         15

Up West Neck Creek Race results

Paul Zinger

Charlie Modica

Alicia Rojas

Linda Gibbs

Joan Butler

Denise Fenchel

Jonathan Brush

Ellen Leonforte

John Modica

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Become a Member

SICYC’s aim is to create and maintain a sound Network for Cruising Yachties and individuals who enjoy boating. Each member (all members are “Vice Commodores”) representing an individual Nautical Location, i.e. an Island, Islet, River, Bay, about which they have some knowledge so as to be able to provide advice or assistance to other “Vice Commodores.” As an SICYC Vice Commodore, your social commitments could well be your most demanding responsibility.

For a one off cost of $80 per person you can become a non voting “Ordinary Life Member.”

Membership includes an SICYC “Vice Commodore” Polo Shirt, “Life Membership Card,” access to the SICYC website Member’s area, Newsletters , along with a myriad of discounts which are made available by our growing sponsor companies.

Membership includes postage and handling of Member Polos and Member Cards.

Couples Membership

SICYC’s aim is to also accommodate couples, especially where both members use a common email address.

Once you are on the “Join Now” page, you will see a “Couples” button. Click on this and you will be able to add details of both of your details along with your unique shirt sizes for your member Polos.

You will each receive a SICYC Polo and Member Card.

Couples Membership is also only $80 per person ($160 per couple).

SICYC communications will then be sent to the common email address supplied.

IMPORTANT : If you desire using separate, unique email addresses you will need to each join as Individuals.

The nuts and bolts

Below are the conditions by which you join. Please read them carefully.

• Only one person can apply for “Ordinary Membership” on a Single Member application form.
• Couples, especially those using/sharing the same email address, will need to join as a couple.
• You may Join Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club Inc as an “Ordinary Member” online. All Ordinary Members of SICYC Inc are known as “Vice Commodores” and are Life members. Ordinary Members of SICYC Inc are non voting members.
• When joining SICYC, you must choose a Nautical Location (i.e. a river, bay, island or islet etc). You will become “Vice Commodore” of your chosen location and this will be displayed on your SICYC Inc “Life Membership Card.” This location will also become your username.
• You will be asked to choose a personal password, this combined with your nautical location will give you access to the members area. Before completing your application please record your Nautical Location and password for future use.

Please choose your  eNews location . This will place you in a mailing list for a specific area.  Please choose the location closest to your residential location.

Single Vs Couples Membership Only one person can join on a  Single  application form. If you are a couple,  especially if you share the same email address , you must check the appropriate,  Couples , Membership.

The cost of posting your Polo/s and Card/s in Australia, is included in your $80 per person membership fee.

In becoming a member you will receive an SICYC “Vice Commodore” Polo ( please ensure that you select your polo size ). If you have a boat you may also wish to purchase a “Vice Commodore” Burgee.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard.

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Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club

The most boats ever will compete in the 100th Bayview Yacht Club race to Mackinac Island

Billed on its website as the “world’s longest continuously run long-distance freshwater yacht race,” the 100th Bayview Mackinac Race is set to start Saturday.

A record-setting 334 boats have registered for the 100th year of the race, shattering the record of 316 in 1985 and a huge contrast compared with the 200 boats that raced last year, said David Stoyka, spokesman for the Bayview Yacht Club, which puts on the race.

Bayview Yacht Club says boats start leaving the Black River in Port Huron around 8 a.m. on race day and will continue leaving until around noon. From the Black River, they will proceed up the St. Clair River, under the Blue Water Bridge, into Lake Huron.

The first scheduled start time in Lake Huron is 11:30 a.m., with starts every 10 minutes until approximately 1:30 p.m. The starts may be delayed due to weather conditions.

This year, for the 100th running, the race will follow the original 1925 route and span 204 nautical miles. From the starting point, the boats will head north along the Michigan shoreline, passing south of Bois Blanc Island, sailing west to east at the finish line between Round Island and Mackinac Island, organizers said.

The range of boats are expected to finish in between 30 and 60 hours.

The sailors

Teams at all skill levels have entered the race, which draws competitors from around the world.  The highly skilled racers know they will cross the bow of competitors within inches. Still, there's always risk of a crash with the slightest miscalculation.

"Everybody recognizes this is super intense," said champion sailor  Tim Prophit , 65, of St. Clair Shores, past commodore of Bayview Yacht Club and owner of Fast Tango, a North American 40 sailboat.

The teams are vying for trophies and flags to show their accomplishments.

The J.L. Hudson Trophy is awarded to the boat with the best corrected time in Division I, and the Canadian Club Classic Trophy is awarded to the boat with the best corrected time in Division II.

How can spectators follow the race?

Spectators can go to bycmack.com during the race and click on “RaceTracking” link to watch real-time GPS positioning of all the race boats, or, on your mobile device, download the free app YB Races and select the current race.

Boats will start arriving at Mackinac Island on Sunday afternoon and continue until Monday evening, all dependent upon the wind.

Finishes can be seen from Windermere Point on Mackinac Island at the south end of Main Street.

Sailors who have completed 25 Bayview Mackinac races are called “Old Goats,” according to the club, while those who have completed 50 are called “Grand Rams.” 

"Double Goats" are sailors who have completed 25 Bayview Mackinac races and 25 Chicago Yacht Club race to Mackinac races. This year’s Chicago to Mackinac race encountered strong winds in Lake Michigan , snapping some boats’ masts and tossing one sailor overboard. No one was hurt.

Volunteers who have served for 15 years on the Race Committee are honored with the title “Old Forts,” as designated by the Race Committee.

This story includes material from a staff report by former Free Press reporter Phoebe Wall Howard and from the Bayview Yacht Club.