RQYS Mainsheet 2021

Taslander

FEATURE

Representing the Squadron was always on Taslander’s agenda and, looking back through her Log entries, some standouts are: • the 50-year memorial service for hospital ship Centaur held off Point Danger,, • the official homecoming for HMAS Brisbane {D41] after duty in the Gulf War, and • the downriver escort of HMY Britannia on her departure from Brisbane after the 1988 Bicentenary festivities. Taslander’s retirement from RQYS, following that of the family’s earlier vessels – 8 Bells and South Passage – completes 66 years’ uninterrupted family enjoyment of boating with the Squadron. And what wonderful times they have been: the company, support and encouragement of fellow members, diving into the champagne waters of a lagoon anchorage, watching whales dive under the vessel, a nice haul of crabs and fish for dinner … even listening to the broadcast of Australia II winning the America’s Cup. Our thanks go to the Squadron, to the many crews and helpers – particularly the first mates Susie and Valentine – who contributed to Taslander’s success and our wish is that she continues her distinguished life for many more years. The Crooke families

As with many of the RQYS fleet, Season Opening Days were not to be missed and Taslander participated by entertaining official guests. Later on one especially ‘enjoyable’ day of Season Opening proceedings, the president of a local club stepped off her duckboard into the harbour, departing somewhat wetly for home with a very indulgent taxi driver.

Rafting up with Rubina with prawns, a cold keg and a million tall stories after a ‘Cup weekend’ at Canaipa saw many members enjoy wonderful company. As P/Cdre Greg Cavill once observed, “a vessel is only as good as the laughter that comes from her.”

Evocative 1990 image of Taslander at speed, proceeding across Moreton Bay en-route to the official opening of RQYS Canaipa. All pics: Crooke families

“The legacy of a good ship: ‘Well-designed, well-built, well-maintained, well-cruised, well-enjoyed’.”

Mainsheet 2021

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Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Yearbook