RQYS Mainsheet 2021

Valé, Ged Glancy

FEATURE

Ged was a valuable member for more than 60 years, awarded Club Member of the Year 2001 and Life Membership in 2016. He was here practically every weekend and was always happy to assist our new volunteers in getting to know the ropes. Ged’s love of sailing and the Squadron was something to remember, his passion unequalled. Valé, Ged Glancy Six decades of indelible memories

In the early days he was an avid sailor and at one time, along with Life Member Lionel Hendy and Ron Boswell, campaigned the Adams 10 “Impecunious” . Over the past three decades, Ged’s role as a volunteer came to the fore. His on-water activities ranged from Race Officer, Course Layer and Patrol Boat Skipper to all other support roles in between. Many of the Squadron’s Volunteers honed their skills because of Ged’s guidance and his passion for “doing things the right way”. On the water one learned early on that Ged’s way of doing things was always the right way . His knowledge of course laying on Moreton Bay and its wind shifts was legendary. With the advent of the hand-held GPS compass and course tables, Ged was in his element. Courses could now be laid precisely.

Squadron member Sylvia Talbot recalls her first encounter with Ged Glancy: “The very first day I volunteered (about 15 years ago) I was placed as crew on Girdis with Ged as skipper. Ged said he would bring the boat around to the jetty and could I wait there. I told him that I would like to come with him to see what he was doing. He grunted and walked off with me in hot pursuit. “We left the jetty and motored about 100 metres. Ged: “What experience have you got?” Me: “I live on my own boat.” Ged: “Doesn’t mean you know anything.” … and that was the start of a beautiful friendship. “I partnered with Ged for many years in various roles. He knew what he was doing — he mentored me, drumming in the procedure and then asking me questions on what I had learnt. He could be gruff and outspoken but was very rarely wrong in his comments. “He was 100 per cent for the Squadron and was always up for a chat on the ramp in between assisting with dinghies, and giving advice to anyone who stood still long enough. “He will be missed terribly by everyone and has left a bigger mark on the volunteer scene than anyone we know.”

On shore Ged was equally active in his support for the Squadron’s sailing program. He was a member of the Sailing Committee during 2004–2005. His knowledge and tireless efforts in maintaining on-water course tackle culminated when the new buoy shed was officially named “Ged’s Shed”. In more recent years Ged confined his volunteering to onshore – with his shed, as a radio operator for club racing and as the ramp marshal facilitating the sailors both young and old … … a check of rigging on the launch, their trailers neatly stacked and lined up waiting on return. For his ongoing activities Ged was recognised with a Marine Sports Award in May 2021. Ged left us suddenly on Saturday 20 March 2021 at the ramp doing what he enjoyed. Valé, Ged, thank you for your service and we will miss you.

Mainsheet 2021

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