RQYS MAINSHEET 2023

Australian Sailing awards

Little did Mark Dingley and Spikey-Mike Middleton know they were set to receive the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s ‘Safety of Life at Sea’ medal at the National Awards for their quick-thinking actions in saving the life of racing sailor Matt Visser on 13 January.

At the Sydney presentations, a forewarned photographer was able to capture the sequence of Matt Visser sneaking onto the stage (left) behind unsuspecting Mark Dingley and Spikey-Mike Middleton just as the SOLAS medal was presented, the auditorium lighting making it tricky to catch the pair’s stunned ear-to-ear grins (centre) before Matt said some heartfelt words.

It was a shocking, unexpected moment on Waterloo Bay on a ‘Black Friday’ which almost crossed a very dark finish line on the final day of the Ronstan International Finn Australian Championships for Summer 2022–2023. Spikey was there to capture the traumatic incident on video from the Media boat. An unconscious Matt Visser was in the water on the lee side of his capsized Finn, clobbered by a flailing boom, and Mark Dingley went over the side of the quickly-on-scene RC boat to support Matt and render immediate first aid as the RHIB hurtled back into the harbour to the waiting QAS paramedics.

Fortunately, Matt went on to make a full recovery, and life went on but, behind the scenes, wheels had been set in motion. As a state finalist, Mark was expected in Sydney but Spikey thought he was at Darling Harbour ‘just’ to photograph the event. The morning after, Mark said, “Mike and myself were ambushed into receiving the CYCA SOLAS award for bravery. Completely unexpected and really humbled to be recognised for something I would think anyone would have done in the same situation … I feel this award should be shared with all the Volunteers involved on that Friday the 13th.”

Extra surprise at the ANMM was a beaming Matt Visser, making his way into the group on stage as the CYCA SOLAS medal was being presented! “Mark, it was so good to see you and Spikey receive such a high honour. Every time we get to meet I find a little bit more closure about that experience. I know for a fact that if it wasn’t for RQYS having their safety protocols and procedures in order before my accident and the amazing depth of experience and knowledge you all had under your belts, I would not be here today ... I can’t thank you all enough!” n

PONANT and TravelView are thrilled to announce a partnership with the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron! As a thank-you we would like extend the the following EXCLUSIVE offers* to RQYS Members for bookings made through TravelView on PONANT and Paul Gauguin sailings: ● Best savings at time of booking ● AUD $800.00 per person saving for first-time PONANT travellers ● AUD $400.00 per person saving for returning passengers ● EUR 200.00 per person onboard spend or USD 200.00 on Paul Gauguin ● Pre- or post-night accommodation with every PONANT sailing Contact TravelView on 1300 885 215 and quote your member number or email gail@travelview.net.au

*Not available with selected group sailings that hold group savings

Mainsheet 2023

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Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Yearbook