Perth Mint Makes Tribute To Hmas Perth And Uss Houston Sailors

Feb. 14, 2010 - PRLog -- PERTH MINT MAKES TRIBUTE TO HMAS PERTH AND USS HOUSTON SAILORS
A 2008 Australia II anniversary pure silver coin from The Perth Mint will be given in tribute at the 50th HMAS Perth Memorial Regatta ceremony.

The Perth Mint joins survivors, family, dignitaries and local yachtsman in honoring the HMAS Perth and USS Houston sailors with a memorial event at Nedlands Yacht Club on Sunday 21 February 2010 at 13:00 hours. The event is held in association with the HMAS Perth Survivors Association and the Naval Association of Australia (Fremantle sub-section) on the Swan River foreshore.

Many of the HMAS Perth and USS Houston sailors were lost in the Sundra Strait battle near Java on 1 March 1942. Though 68 years have passed since the battle, the survivors and family members, through to great-grandchildren, remember the importance of the sailors' sacrifice by attending this event each year.

The 2008 Australia II anniversary coin will be presented during the tribute to Captain Hector Waller, DSO, RAN, and the crew of HMAS Perth and USS Houston. This year's presentation will include a parade by the Fremantle Sailing Club's Pipes & Drums and a Guard of Honour by the Australian Navy Cadets. Following the ceremony, Captain Dowsing - Commander of HMAS Stirling will open the regatta for an expected 100 sailboats. Nedlands Yacht Club will provide afternoon tea to the 200 families and special guests while the regatta is underway.

Nedlands Yacht Club (NYC) is located off the Esplanade past Bessell Avenue along in Nedlands, Western Australia. The club welcomes the public to share in the presentation and watch the regatta that follows the ceremony. General public attendees may bring picnic lunches or may purchase lunch from the NYC galley. Parking at this event is free and there is a family playground within walking distance for children. No reservation is required for public attendees and please note that NYC is fully licensed and no outside alcohol is permitted at the venue.

Yachting Australia members are invited to participate in the regatta that follows the ceremony at approximately 14:00 hours. Notice of Race and Entry is available at nyc.org.au or by request.
ABOUT The Australia II Anniversary Coin
The commemorative coin is struck by The Perth Mint from 1 ounce of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality.  The collector coin is one of a limited mintage of only 5,000 coins issued worldwide. The coin celebrates the 25th anniversary of Australia's 1983 America's Cup victory and Australia's yachting and seamanship legacy. The Perth Mint has beautifully depicted the "winged" keel and the Australia II yacht flying the coloured spinnaker in this 2008-dated coin. The coin is presented with a numbered certificate in a folder with a piece of Australia II's original KA-6 spinnaker cloth. For further information on this commemorative Australian legal tender issue contact The Perth Mint on (08) 9421 7223, online at perthmint.com.au of visit The Perth Shop at 310 Hay Street (cnr Hill Street) in East Perth.

ABOUT The 50th HMAS Perth Memorial Regatta
The 50th HMAS Perth Memorial Regatta will commence at 13:00 hours on Sunday 21 Feburary 2010 at Nedlands Yacht Club, The Esplanade, Nedlands, WA on the Swan River foreshore. The annual ceremony and regatta is held in association with the HMAS Perth Survivors Association and the Naval Association of Australia (Fremantle sub-section) to remember the sailors lost and survivors from the HMAS Perth and USS Houston in the 1 March 1942 battle.

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Nedlands Yacht Club is a family oriented sailing club located along the Swan River in Perth, Western Australia. We teach Yachting Australia accredited sailing courses. Our club caters to all ages in dinghies, catamarans, keelboats and cruisers.