The West Australian weather on Sunday morning 9th October 2005 was squally with showers. The FSC open day racing was cancelled. Somehow, by the 2:45pm the weather moderated and the sun popped out from behind the clouds creating a perfect setting for the launch of Constellation.
Master of Ceremonies was RFBYC Rear Commodore of Sailing Alan Fisher who provided a short background speech and kept the formalities moving along very nicely. There were also three guest speakers, Craig Banks (Austrade WA), Jon Sanders (Around the world solo sailor and life member of the S&S34 Assoc. and RFBYC Commodore John Anderson.
The official launch was jointly conducted by four generations of Finn’s, Elsie Finn, Jessica Hardwick, Amelia Hardwick and recent arrival Sophia Ezcaray Hardwick (at 7lbs 6oz).
It didn’t take long before the food and drinks were broken into by the 75 guests. Followed by countless inspections of Constellation. The boat looked spectacular, especially when one bossy female (whom I put up with daily) decided upon a photo call of all S&S34 skippers. After a bit of organising we managed to get a group of 11 S&S34 owners onboard Constellation.
Everybody had a great time and thanks must go to Mike Finn and the crew for their hospitality.
Photos
Constellation, 9th October 2005, RFBYC Officals and Mike Finn
Photograph: Melina Arena
The official christening of Constellation, 9th October 2005, RFBYC Conducted by Elsie Finn, Jessica Hardwick, Amelia Hardwick and Sophia Ezcaray Hardwick
Photograph: Steve Laws
S&S34 Skippers onboard Constellation at the launch party Backrow: Mike Finn (Constellation), John Holder (Morning Flite), Dick Newham (Sulphur), Scott Lee (Aries II), Stephen Owen-Conway (Delphis), Geoff Connor (Kungari). Frontrow: Andrew Walby (Swagman), Tim Dallas (Superstar), Steve Laws (Roma II), Jamie Dunross (Spirit of Rockingham), John Ruocco (Seashell).
Photograph: Melina Arena
Photograph: Melina Arena
Photograph: Melina Arena
S&S34 Skippers onboard Constellation at the launch party. Backrow: Mike Finn (Constellation), John Holder (Morning Flite), Dick Newham (Sulphur), Scott Lee (Aries II), Stephen Owen-Conway (Delphis), Geoff Connor (Kungari). Frontrow: Andrew Walby (Swagman), Tim Dallas (Superstar), Steve Laws (Roma II), Jamie Dunross (Spirit of Rockingham), John Ruocco (Seashell), Geoff Rayner & Rick Palmer (Huckleberry).
Photograph: Melina Arena
The Original S&S 12-Meter Constellation
The original Constellation (S&S design 1773) was the S&S 12-meter winning design of 1964.