In a Club with no bar or restaurant of its own, social activities can prove more of a challenge than they would for larger Clubs, similarly with fundraising events. Both these challenges were amply met again last Friday evening with a  fundraising Garden Party kindly hosted by John and Sally Wyles in the wonderful surroundings of their garden at Claremount in Union Hall. Friends of GHYC, old and new, gathered in bright and seasonable conditions to socialise and enjoy the fabulous view over the harbour and anchored yachts below. Sartorial elegance abounded with Squib Captain Margaret Potenz and husband Tony as usual looking like a magazine cover ! Barman Ben Perez looked just the thing in his new Club Tie !!

Catering was provided by the Barrett and Tubb families with a bewildering selection of colourful canapés streaming out, borne by a team of volunteer instructors and helpers from the Club. Delicious smoked salmon plates came courtesy of Dragon Sailor Sean Nolan and his team at Union Hall Smoked Fish. A really great evening was had by everyone. If we had only known of the vocal abilities of Scarlett Ribbons Skipper Tomás O Brien, as displayed at the Rose Bowl Dinner on Saturday evening we could have have really got Claremount rocking ! Thanks again to John and Sally for opening up their beautiful home and making everyone feel so welcome.

Tim Forde Commodore