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Commodores Report

I look forward to the opening of the sailing season next Saturday, and invite all members to participate whether you be sailors or not. There are events throughout the day including a celebration in the club after sailing, from around 4:00 pm onwards, with a terrific band and great company. All are welcome and you can find more details on our website and in this newsletter.

Last Tuesday was the club’s first “in person” AGM in three years, and I was honoured to become Commodore.  I have had a comprehensive handover – thanks to Immediate Past Commodore and Vice Commodore, Peter Stain and John Mooney. We are all extremely grateful to them for everything they have done for the club, and it gives me confidence that they’ll both be continuing on the Marina and Attenuator Advisory Panel.

The Club is in a good place and on a firm foundation, and I’m keen to further progress the Strategic Plan we put in place in 2020. With Peter Demura as Vice Commodore, and the rest of the General Committee and sub-committees having a broad range of skills, we are most fortunate.

I suspect I’m going to have an easier time of it than Past commodore Wendy Luck did, when she became the first female Commodore of our club over 20 years ago. This year there are three women Commodores around the Bay. At the AGM I acknowledged Wendy for paving the way.

Since I joined the club 32 years ago, I’ve sailed with many of you, in bay races, ocean races, delivery trips and one design windward-leewards. I love sailing my Etchells and equally enjoy the Tower starts. I’ve joined the race management team for several regattas and enjoyed the company of this capable committed group. It’s all about getting out on the water, whether that be off the beach, off the hardstand or from the marina.

Club members appreciate the club for in different ways, including swimming at sunrise and energising the café in the early mornings, keeping fit in the gym, or simply enjoying the beautiful aspect from the restaurant or members bar deck all year round. We are privileged in our location and keen to share it.  The club’s 150th anniversary is coming up in 2025, and we’ll celebrate this milestone with long term members, new members and the local community.

There are so many people involved in ensuring the club is a place where members want to be, the committees, the on and off water volunteers, the wonderful staff and of course the members themselves. Thanks to the outgoing members of the General Committee, Kalpana Merrett and Paul Jenkins, for the valuable skills and commitment you’ve contributed over the past two years.

The new committee has a great combination of continuing and new members. In future newsletters each Committee member will have the opportunity to contribute an article, so that you can get to know them better.

Flag officers

  • Commodore – Niesje Hees
  • Vice commodore – Peter Demura
  • Rear Commodore – Peter Gebhardt
  • Club Captain – Brett Heath
  • Honorary Treasurer – Murray Cowdell

General committee members

  • Nick Barber
  • Peter Coleman
  • Cath Hurley
  • Marnie Irving
  • Neil Sargeant

I’m excited about the club’s future and the season ahead. See you on Opening Day!

Niesje