The inaugural Wild Oats Winter Dinner to raise funds for the development of junior sailing at BYS was held last night (Thursday 29 July) in the function room at Life Saving Victoria Port Melbourne.

Around 100 BYS members and guests attended the evening.  A highlight of the night was the informative interview with Mark Richards (Principal Helmsman on Wild Oats XI) which was conducted by Rob Mundle (International Author & Yachtsman).

(L to R) Murray Hey, Jenni Maclean, Mark Richards, and Rob Mundle

Wild Oats Wines kindly donated a trip for four people to Hamilton Island for 7 nights and also a signed Mark Richards Wild Oats print for the live auction.  After some questionable auction techniques by past Commodore Michael Trumble, the Brown family were the successful bidders for the Hamilton Island trip and Murray Hey picked up the signed Wild Oats print.

There was also a great range of silent auction items that kept bidders busy, thanks to all the busineeses and individuals that donated goods and services for the auctions.  In all, around $8,500 was raised for the development of junior sailing at BYS.

We must thank Wild Oats Wines for their continued support of the Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron. Also to the band of volunteers that made the night possible.  Special thanks to Vice Commodore Jenni Maclean, Committee members Murray Hey & Paul Devereux, and members Andrea Devereux, Meredith Norbury, Sandy Lindholm, Sam Edleston, Penny Burns, Jane Fox, Sally Smith, Kath Mulcahy, and Marie Kudnig.