Lynne Mowbray | Around 50 ‘Vice Commodores’ from the Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club [SICYC] were officially welcomed to the Clarence River, at McLachlan Park in Maclean on Tuesday, last week. The fleet who were taking part in the Inaugural Clarence River Classic event, were welcomed by Clarence Valley Council mayor Jim Simmons and Yaegl Elder Reverend Lenore Parker who stepped in on behalf of Elizabeth Smith who was unwell, to represent the valley’s traditional land owners. Maclean piper Alistair Wallace played several items for the visitors, who enjoyed the photo opportunity with the Scottish piper. Also in attendance were members of the Scottish Association, Maclean Chamber of Commerce and the Maclean Yacht Club. The fleet of 19 vessels were moored adjacent to the park for the overnight stay on day two of the weeklong event, which cruised from Iluka to Grafton, before returning on Sunday, May 6. Vessels travelled from Launceston TAS, Port Macquarie, Port Stephens, Scarborough QLD and Gippsland VIC, with five local vessels joining in.