THE second week of the Port MacDonnell Sailing Club 25-foot Challenge was cancelled due to the extreme weather pattern over the weekend period.
With sailors happy to not be out in the poor conditions, the competition will now be scheduled for a later date, which is still yet to be determined.
It was also with regret the secretary communicated with members the passing of one of the sailing club’s founding members, Geoff Manefield.
A memorial service for the late Manefield was held in Naracoorte last Sunday, which was attended by past club member David John and life members Neil and Bernice Dickins.
Manefield was a founding member of the Port MacDonnell Sailing Club and often attended presentation dinners, the most recent one in April this year.
During recent years the club has resurrected the Coastal Classic trophy, which was a fixture in the time Manefield was involved in the fraternity.
Former member of the club, John Watson, reflected on some of his past memories at the club during this time.
“It was 1956, it was a long time ago, so my memory may not be perfect,” he said.
“It was probably early in the sailing season at Port MacDonnell.
“At the time there was no clubhouse and no slipway to launch boats.
“It was just as well all the boats were small, like Moths and Gwen 12’s, which is the class that Geoff had and the class favoured by the sailing club.”
He spoke of his first time sailing, which saw him on deck with Manefield, an experience which sparked his passion for sailing and inspired him to eventually obtain his own boat.
“On this particular day, Geoff’s regular crew was unavailable so somehow I agreed to fill in,” Watson said.
“After some difficulty launching on the beach near the drain, with a good swell running – there was no breakwater then either and no Rescue boat – we were off.
“This was my first experience of feeling the effect of a good strong wind and a lightweight sailing boat under the control of an experienced sailor.
“I will always remember the exhilaration of that first time experience.
“Thank you Geoff, you encouraged me to get my own Gwen 12, which I had to build myself, with help from local boat builder.”
Manefield will be fondly remembered by all those he dealt with through the Port MacDonnell Sailing Club.
In particular, at times like the Coastal Classic sailing event and the presentation awards where he was ever-present.
