Australian White ensign flag raising at RANSA
by Roger Wragby 14 Dec 2017 00:14 NZDT
9 December 2017
Chief of Navy - Vice Admiral Tim Barrett AO CSC RAN - was the guest of honour at the hoisting of the Australian White ensign at the RANSA in Rushcutters Bay on Saturday. The ceremony was attended by senior Naval personnel, RANSA Commodore Dave Giddings and Flag officers, local dignitaries including Woollahra Mayor Peter Cavanagh and Councilors, members of RANSA, and their Rushcutters Bay neighbours.
Vice Admiral Barrett arrived at the RANSA Wharf by the Admiral's Barge and was piped ashore. RANSA Commodore Dave Giddings introduced the guests, and then a short outline of RANSA History was given by former Commodore Max Kean.
The Commodore then introduced VADM Barrett. In his address he confirmed that the according of the privilege of displaying the Australian White Ensign at RANSA recognises the strong bond between the RAN Sailing Association and the Royal Australian Navy. He explained that the Australian White Ensign was of significance to the history not only of the navy but of our nation: until 1967 the British White Ensign was displayed on RAN ships, so this year marks the 50th year of the Australian White Ensign. He strongly endorsed the aims of RANSA to encourage sailing within the Navy, and expressed his hope that the relationship will continue to grow and strengthen.
In his reply, immediate past commodore Adrian Gruzman thanked VADM Barrett for according this great honour to RANSA: the Australian White Ensign is only displayed on commissioned ships of the RAN and significant Naval landmarks- in Sydney Harbour: at Garden Island, HMAS Watson in Watsons Bay and on the HMAS Sydney memorial at Bradleys Head. The AWE at RANSA will mean that the ensign may be seen at the 'four corners' of the harbour
The Royal Australian Naval Sailing Association exists to encourage sailing within the Navy. Originally established as the Australia Station of the Royal Naval Sailing Association in 1947, in 1966, with the blessing RNSA, was launched in its own right as RANSA. RANSA has had a continuing history of involvement in the local Sydney sailing scene ever since. A busy racing schedule is conducted throughout the year, including a Winter Point Score Series on Saturdays, a Midweek Series on Wednesday afternoons, and a Friday Twilight Series during the summer months.
Membership is open to all serving and retired Naval personnel, and Service membership is open to serving and retired Army and Air Force personnel. Non-service personnel are welcome to join as Sailing Associates or Local Members.