OC Connect: 3 Island Classic
It was a cracking day on Sydney Harbour on Sunday 28 August 2022 as 9 crews prayed for wind to get them around the 3 Island Classic course.
Congratulations to Monkey Magic in 1st place, skippered by Mark Dagworthy (OC 1996), Crowded Haus in 2nd place, skippered by Graeme Neuhaus (OC 1970) and Next in 3rd place, skippered by Jon Short (OC 1980).
Young One, skippered by Michael Morgan (OC 1980), was presented with the AJ Reed trophy.
It was great to see so many Old Cranbrookians out on the water and afterwards at the Royal Australian Naval Association (RANSA). Thanks to Rob Lewis (OC 1970) for organising an amazing day for the Cranbrook community.
OCs On the Water
Since Rob Lewis and others resurrected this regatta, we have made it a point to be at each one – can’t remember the first of these races but it must have been around 2015.
Each year we have a few 1970 classmates, and their wives join us and it becomes somewhat of a reunion of our classmates.
Rob and Jon Short and Adrian Guzman have spent numerous hours contacting everyone, planning and setting handicaps etc. Early days we were assisted by Peter Frankie supplying the starting boat and
lately by RANSA.
I guess the most rewarding race for us was having 4 classmen from 1970 onboard when we won the
2020 regatta – what a way to celebrate our 50 year reunion before it was canceled by Covid!
Every year we have had very interesting weather – no wind, then wind, occasionally rain, once with gale force winds then sunshine! The fellowship back at RANSA is always most enjoyable and a good reason to catch up and tell tall stories.
Graeme Neuhaus, OC 1970
I want to start by thanking Rob Lewis (1970) and the team for putting on a memorable 2022 edition of the 3 Island Classic. These events take a lot more effort and time than many realise and we have been very lucky to have had Rob and team dedicated to creating such a special event. The event ran without missing a beat, and Rob even organised a perfect winter’s day.
My participation in the 3 Island Classic has been start/stop over the years. I remember attending my first one back in 1996 being on the start and finish boat, while I was actually in Year 12 and Captain of Sailing. This was back in the day when there was raft up in Rose Bay after the race.
After over 14 years overseas, I came back to find the 3IC classic revitalised and was lucky enough to sail with Andrew Dale (OC 1997) back in March 2020 (the good old days before Covid).
This year, I borrowed a friend’s boat to take out some of my 1996 school mates. The banter and stories started before we had left the dock and continued throughout the day and well into the afternoon BBQ at RANSA. It was the perfect ending to come away with the win and after such a great day we all committed to returning in 2023 to defend the title.
I really encourage anyone that can be involved to come and enjoy a wonderful day. The most rewarding aspect of the 3IC is reconnecting with school mates and getting them out onto one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. It is a great way to reconnect with the old boys and relive some of our funniest memories.
Mark Dagworthy, OC 1996