In the years that followed I took over the handicaps. Necessity being the mother of invention — due to the overwhelming numbers in Youth Week (275 sailors) one year and other new mid-week regattas — a number of alternative courses were developed, which ensured clear water for all users and were appreciated by skippers, crew and Race Officers. The fleet numbers increased, as did prizes and the competitive nature of sailors. Not much changed for WAGS until, like everyone else, we battled through Covid. A very unofficial WAGS was organised via Facebook by some very bored sailors. The race started one hour earlier than normal with approximate handicap start times. On the healthy return, once socialising was allowed, the hour earlier start was recognised as a stroke of genius: it helped to avoid the late storms in summer and the dying breezes in winter. A great innovation! Nowadays, you can register both your boat and crew electronically prior to the day of race. At 10:00, a briefing is sent to all skippers and crew, including the information needed for a safe afternoon sail. Then at 12:30 the start sheet with the entire fleet for the day is posted, all via mobile phone. The course is also displayed on several TV sets within the Squadron. We’ve come a long way! Back then, on my arrival for the day, it was a case of going through the front doors to the Squadron office — which was located in the Cavill Building ground floor (now occupied by one of our wonderful sponsors The Yacht Sales Co.) — and wishing good morning to the amazing Lynne Jackson. I was handed a fax (!) with the handicaps sent from Club Member Andrew Knights and then it was decision time to choose one course from three. Hope Banks was very prominent. If it was a nor’easter, it was out via Lockyer Light, and in a sou’easter the fleet went out between Green and St Helena Islands. On a light day it was a circumnavigation of Green Island. Skippers came into the Squadron for their start times, a verbal briefing was given and the course was displayed on an A4 at the start table. The first boat was away at 14:00 and presentation at 18:00. The fleet averaged 25 per week and prizes, whilst very appreciated, were minimal. Was the fleet ‘competitive’ …? … only for some. (I remember being brought before the Sailing Committee having to explain why we were going to windward and why it wasn’t a cracked sheets sail!) “One of the privileges of running WAGS (Wednesday Afternoon Go Sailing) as long as I have is being witness to the many evolving changes that have occurred since I started in 2010,” reflects Paul Bolton, “with not only Nelly by my side but also the technological developments in planning and organising each weekly event.” “My, how things have changed!” A look back on what is now a Squadron ‘institution’ and one of the most closely-bonded groups of our Members. Below right: The Brisbane Metro area ‘EKKA Wednesday’ public holiday always makes for a special WAGS, with Paul and Nelly (centre) on the Vic Frizzell, flanked by (L-R): Brian Plunkett, Rob Smith and Don Murray. Pic: Spikey Mikey WAGS burgees are available at RQYS Reception, in a range of sizes. Pic: FoxFlags Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Yearbook Mainsheet 2026 45 WAGS Report
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