Rod McCulloch and Colin Shanks.
Long-standing Gisborne yachtsman Colin Shanks has been made an Honorary Life Member of the Gisborne Yacht Club for his 40 years of involvement in sailing in the district.
Club commodore “Shanksy” received the honour at the club's annual general meeting and prizegiving.
“It was 40-odd years ago that a young guy and his wife arrived at the club,” club spokesman Peter Millar said.
“Many years, many beers, the odd dog food burger, many boats and thousands of nautical miles later he is still here and our commodore.
“Mr Optimistic — never Mr Pessimistic — and Mr Resourceful . . . all great attributes he has brought to this club.
“Colin also saved a yacht from getting sailed on to the top of East Cape in the middle of the night.
“His three-to-four-finger rig tension settings are legendary in the Javelin fleet. ‘Just carbon it on' is his latest catch phrase.”
Millar said there had been many shared and always amicable sailing memories associated with Colin.
“He earned the nickname of ‘Brash Young Farmer' in the early days but now he's simply ‘Shanksy'.
“His prowess in the Javelin has seen him at the top of that fleet for many years after just as many successes in the C and B fleet.
“That resulted in multiple Sanders Cup victories and forays to the Australian interdominions, and he kept GYC on the map as a great sailing venue.”
Shanks was instrumental in attracting many national, interprovincial and South Pacific championships to Gisborne . . . “along with the generated club income those events produced”.
“Colin holds the very special honour of being the only singular crewman to have his name engraved on the Noelex 25 Nationals crews cup.
“That trophy has the likes of Brad Butterworth and other America's Cup sailors on it.
“But they needed a few others to help them. Colin's was a solo effort!
“His energy, enthusiasm and total commitment make him a real asset to this club and it came as no surprise when the committee unanimously endorsed my motion for Colin Shanks to be made an Honorary Life Member of this club in its 75th year,” Millar said.
The GYC's 75th anniversary/jubilee, postponed due to Covid, will now be held on September 16 and 17.
“The club will be open on the Friday for an introduction to the jubilee and get-together over nibbles and beverages, and the formal function will take place at the Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club on the Saturday.”
Open skiff — PB Champs: Keiley Thompson (Napier) 1, Lucy Millar 2.
Laser — PB Champs (R McCulloch Cup): Peter Millar 1, (N Millar Cup) Jake Millar 2.
Cats — PB Champs: Roger Newport 1, Jamie Durward 2.
Gisborne Herald Cup for Outstanding Junior: Jake Millar.
Jennings Jewellers Trophy for Most Improved: Lucy Millar.
Ladies' Cup: Gwenda Harvey.
Keith Ford Memorial Family Cup: Millar Family.
Bruce Papworth Cup for Outstanding Crew (shore crew): Robyn Jones.