P.V. Dye (1976-78)
Full Name
P.V. Dye (1976-78)Role
CommodorePerson Description
Photograph - 2015.7c Photograph of Commodore Peter Dye. Commodore of PDSC 1976 - 1978. I joined the P.D.S.C. in its first year at Crawley in 1960 at the ripe age of 17. The clubhouse was complete but a deal of finishing off was required which was mostly completed at busy bees, something that has continued through the decades and was a great way of getting to know members who had moved from the Barrack Street Club. Many lifelong friendships were forged during these early times, many of whom I regard their friendship today. As there were only about half a dozen 14’s and a small number of VJ’s membership was quite small so I soon found myself on the management committees where I served for a number of year before I became a Rear Commodore, working through the ranks until becoming Commodore from 1976-1978 at 33 years, I believe the youngest Commodore in the history of the Club. I might add there was great stability right through the years on committees and serving as a flag officer which held the Club in good stead. Several trips east for national championships were usually, driving non-stop when the Nullarbor was a rough dirt road from Norseman to Port Augusta (1100 miles) My best placing was 3rd overall sailing from St.Kilda, Victoria with my great mate Peter Kirkham, I think it was the same year that we won the State Championship 1966/67, without winning a heat. Sailing away at Cockburn, Bunbury and Busselton were always looked forward to with great camaraderie after the racing. South of Perth Yacht Club in the earlier years had a strong fleet of 14’s with teams races always keenly contested on and off the water. During my term as Rear Commodore Social with a small committee, many fundraising functions were run to raise funds for the general running of the club as annual fees were always kept as low as possible. Some of these social events were “Bog and Lolly” pick a box night, talent night and a big night in the style of a Maori Hangi where a crowd of 250 was expected but more like 400 turned up. John Erwin, provided a considerable number of beautiful river washed rocks he had collected over his trips to the S.W. over the years to line the pit for cooking to take place. A roaring mallee root fire was lit with such extreme heat it split all of his beloved rocks in two, a lot of work but considerable money was raised and a number of kegs drunk. It was around this time a major alteration took place to the clubhouse where the riverside windows were moved out by 6 or 7 metres giving the upper lounge area of today and a bar but not quite as it is today. It was very basic however a cool room underneath the starters box was created by Paul Kunzli and helpers, over the years there has been many changes for the better. Being a family club has played a major part in the success of our club and having been around to see so many members of today like Clayton Erwin, the Slosses, the Everetts, the Devines the Burts and many others sure makes one feel a little ancient. Whilst the club is in the hands of these kind of people I’m sure the future of the P.D.S.C. is assured for many years to come. P>S> It would be remiss of me not to congratulate all the ladies of the club for providing the best afternoon teas anywhere on the river. What a fantastic effort. I’m sure this has a lot to do with the great attendance at major days on the club calendar. Well done ladies.Created By
Create Date
March 4, 2024Updated By
Update Date
August 14, 2026
Profile
Peter Dye
