Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club

Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club (SICYC) is a Social Network of cruising yachties and individuals who have a passion for the sea. Besides the dynamic social aspect, the concept is to create a network of cruising yachties (Vice Commodores). Each “Vice commodore” representing different locations i.e. Max Peters “Vice Commodore” Caloundra. The aim is that , Vice Commodores are able to provide local advice and assistance to other Vice Commodores passing by, and to, no doubt, share a “sundowner” or two at their favourite local club”. The most demanding responsibility of our members is their social commitment.
So where is, and what is Shag Islet? It is an Islet between Gloucester Island and the mainland in North Queensland, Whitsunday area (20 03.8 S 148 26.5 E). Basically there is nothing on the islet other than Shags, and it can be accessed only at low tide when a small beach is exposed on the southern end. The notional home of SICYC is Montes Reef Resort which is situated on the mainland immediately across from Shag Islet.
SICYC has no annual joining fee. To become a “Vice Commodore” of their chosen nautical location and a life member of SICYC, the” one off” joining fee is $48 which includes “Vice Commodore” cards, website access, and a frequent diners card from Hog Breath Café. Our website has been developed by Michael “Vice Commodore” Chunda Bay, the site www.sicyc.org , displays all newsletters, events, members contact details, nautical links and a link to “The Friends of SICYC” Face Book Site, and password protected access to the members area of the website. Individuals may also join at www.sicyc.org.
A newsletter is released monthly, recording SICYC events and news related to the organisation. SICYC does not assume any advocacy role. An SICYC events update is released every two months, promoting events which are hosted by individual “Vice Commodores” at their favourite clubs or dining venues etc.
The camaraderie of SICYC is enhanced during the cruising season on the Australian east coast as “Vice Commodores” migrate north. The SICYC burgee combined with the www.skipr.net SICYC page, cruisers are able to identify other Club vessels and their location at anchor, in marinas, or on moorings at any time as they travel. An SICYC High Frequency Radio Net is also, monitored once daily from mid May to late October.
The membership of SICYC is growing rapidly and is currently 1,450 strong, with membership in every state of Australia and NZ along with a growing membership from overseas.
Each year a “Vice Commodore” Rendezvous is held in Gloucester passage at Shag Islet, Montes Reef Resort. The 2012 Rendezvous will be held 23 to 26 August with proceeds after cost going to the SICYC charity – “The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia”. This is a strongly support event, with “Vice Commodores” attending from all parts of Australia, USA and NZ. Anybody interested in joining SICYC is welcome, bring your boat or drive to the Rendezvous in August, It’s a lot of fun and is for a good cause. The key activity during the rendezvous is a parrot head party, which will be held at Montes Reef Resort from 3.00pm Saturday 25 August. There are prizes for the best dress Guy and Girl and the best dressed boats both by day and night.
Should there be anyway that you may assist SICYC in its funraising during the “Vice Commodore” Rendezvous 2012 – 23 to 26 August. For further information phone Ken Thackeray on 0428716243 or email sicyc@hotmail.com