On Friday, September 20th, the Royal Geelong Yacht Club hosted the Tuckers Funeral and Bereavement Services 13th Annual 50-Year Members Lunch, a fantastic afternoon filled with laughter, camaraderie, and reflection on decades of sailing and shared experiences.
Pictured: RGYC 50-Year Members group photo
With a remarkable turnout, 32 of our 50-year members and five Honorary Life Members, all dressed to impress, came together for a special event that combined formalities with plenty of socialising over a delicious sit-down lunch. The Yot Café provided an exceptional spread, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance.
Pictured (left to right): Tony Bull, Brian Marshman, Dawn Butler and Jean Wenlock.
Commodore Paul Buchholz led the day’s formalities, welcoming and inducting two new 50-year members, Anne Curtis and Richard Lowe, into the esteemed group. Each received their 50-Year Continuous Membership badge and a framed certificate to mark this significant milestone in their long association with the club.
In his address, Commodore Buchholz also highlighted the upcoming Royal Warrant Centenary celebrations, marking 100 years of RGYC’s Royal status, set to take place throughout October. The club’s rich history and achievements are set to be honoured in what promises to be a month of celebration.
Pictured: Commodore Paul Buchholz inducting new 50-Year Members Richard Lowe and Anne Curtis.
The highlight of the afternoon came when renowned sailing coach Tony Bull hosted a Q&A session with special guest and World Champion Josh Garner. They discussed the recent successes of RGYC’s cadet sailors, including their incredible victory at the 2024 Cadet World Championships in Plymouth, UK. The contrast between our long-standing members and the rising stars of the club like Josh underscored the club’s ongoing investment in youth development and the future of sailing.
Pictured: World Champion Josh Garner and Stuart Butler.
As the afternoon drew to a close, the room buzzed with energy as old sailing friends traded stories of their time on the water and shared fond memories of the club. The sense of community was palpable, with many toasting to the past, present, and future of RGYC.
Pictured: Immediate past Commodore Roger Bennett, Steve Neunhoffer and Wendy Abikhair
This year’s Tuckers Funeral and Bereavement Services 13th Annual 50-Year Members Lunch was not just a celebration of loyalty and longevity but a testament to the enduring spirit of the Royal Geelong Yacht Club.
Photography credit, with thanks, Tom & Denise Smeaton