One of the greatest benefits of being part of a Section at FSC isn’t just the time on the water or shared interests, it’s the people. It’s the friendships, the camaraderie, and the quiet confidence that when things don’t go to plan… someone will be there to help.

This past weekend delivered the perfect reminder.

Late on Saturday, one of our members found themselves in a uniquely unlucky situation. Anchored out on the westerly side of the windmills, their anchor had somehow wrapped tightly around what was probably the only mushroom coral bommie in the area.

Impressive? Yes. Ideal? Absolutely not.

With the chain jammed fast, the boat wasn’t going anywhere and plans quickly shifted to the possibility of an unplanned night at anchor.

Enter John and Denise Bech from the Angling Section.

Answering the call from further out at sea, John first headed back to FSC to grab his portable angling grinder before returning to assist the stranded vessel. With no other option, the chain could now be cut freeing the boat and saving the member from an unexpected overnight stay.

On Sunday, the job wasn’t quite finished.

Members from the Game Fishing and Dive Sections – George Greaves, Stephen Walton and Neville Mader, suited up in cold, cloudy conditions to retrieve the lost anchor.

Thanks to some clever forward thinking by the boat owner, a float and rope had been attached to the cut chain, making locating it straightforward. Retrieving it, however, took more effort, with the team digging the stubborn anchor free from the bommie before bringing it to the surface.

This is exactly what being part of FSC is all about. Its members across Sections – not because they must, but because that’s what a great community does. It’s answering the call, lending a hand, and showing up, even on a cold Sunday to help a fellow member out.

Moments like these remind us that while the boats, gear and locations are part of the experience… it’s the people who make it special.

So, no matter how you love to spend time on the water, being part of a Section means you’re never really out there alone, and every now and then, it might just save you from a very long night.

It’s never too late to join a Section. With Section AGMs coming up in August, now is a great time to get involved.

For section details and best contacts please look to our club noticeboard and/or website here.