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The Wooden Boat Race and Rally was started by Past Commodore Maurice Cooper in 2006 and was given to the H28 community to run with.  

As we approached our 50th year it was decided that the Wooden boat race and rally would serve as the opening day for the rest of the year. It was in early 1963 that Loyal Weaver led a group of H28 owners to declare themselves as a fleet sailing in Divison One and under their own handicap rather than a club based version. Times have changed, but the H28 sailors stick together as a fleet and regularly enjoy runs away down the coast, sailing with other clubs to " spread the word " and generally having a good time out on the water. Age has caught up with us a little, but the affirmation of the Williams family and their three generations sailing, with their cousins coming on board as well.... wow we still have a race on our hands.

The day was almost perfect.

A modest breeze blew out of the South East with the occasional puff in it, to kept the crews on their toes.
The day started on the quarterdeck with old sailors and interested parties swapping tales as they looked at photos and other pieces of history put up to help celebrate the day. Most people stopped to have lunch and then went around to Archies bar where the briefing was held, prior to going sailing. Once the formalities were done, the crews moved down to their boats and the Commodore and invited guests including Len Randel and his wife, moved down to the Start box for a sail past. The Sail past was taken in good humour and the wooden power boats hovered near by ready to watch the event. Steve Winter's Halvorson, Saratoga was used to convey invited guests and a number of other wooden power boats accompanied the fleet. The gaffers got away first and a combined fleet of H28's and other larger wooden yachts set sail.

After the event, presentations were held and plentiful amounts of food and drink were enjoyed by all. Len Randel was accompanied by the Commodore Frank Dalgish in the presentations and H28 chairman Glen Stanley thanked all the participants, the sponsors and the dedicated team that put the event together.Another special moment was the presentation of the H28 table made partially from Saga's "bones" and other findings. Made by shipwright David Locke Jnr to mark the 50th year event it was unveiled during the presentation.  The Results may be found on line at http://sportspage.com.au/yacht_clubs/sopyc/saturday_pm/Result_2013112-.htm

The Images are below and are available for sale.