|
A warm welcome is extended to our special guests, Life Members, members and visitors.
I personally would like to thank the following.
- Club Committee who have worked tirelessly in preparation for the upcoming season
- Esp: Frank for his work on Tulum and the new tractor. Both on site but a few important administrative things to complete before they are operational.
- Russell Jones for his excellent organisation and work during the working bees. The place is looking great.
- Tony Lang for his work on updating our constitution. Copies of the proposed Constitution and Regulations along with details of an Information evening followed by an Extraordinary General Meeting to approve the new Constitution and Regulations have been posted on the website.
- Lyn Dugay for his assistance with the new tractor and Tulum and work on the yard
- Terry DeVries for his generous use of machinery and time grading the main yard space
- Brendan Corcoran ably assisted by his wife Judy for their work on saving the club money through renegotiating some of our major expense items.
- Jenny Jones, Heather Crabtree and Adrienne Dugay for the planning of the Social calendar and work on today’s function.
Without the efforts of these members what the rest of us enjoy, would be considerably diminished.
The club continues to operate in the same way as the original founders set it up. It is a family orientated club catering for a range of water-based interests including various forms of sailing, power boating, fishing and socialising. Its strength is made up of the sum of its parts. Over the years many club members have contributed to ensure the club is operational, meets the needs of a diverse range of interests and will do so into the future. The club continues to need the assistance of its members beyond the payment of fees. This may be in the form of time in helping to run races, the Sailing School or Tackers Programs, the Social Program, or providing Expert Advice, or work expertise and equipment. As Lord Kitchener once said ”We need You”. The Social sub committee especially, Jenny, Heather and Adrienne are looking for people to assist with the running of functions as well as suggestions for the Social Calendar. If you can help please contact one of them, or myself.
The general committee have been faced with major unexpected costs leading up to this season’s opening; a replacement tractor and major repair to Bi11’s motor. The motor is repaired, and the tractor will be operational in the next week.
- The club now needs to improve its contingency fund to meet future operational expenses, such as repairs and replacement of its Sailing School fleet, sails and trolleys.
- The Dillon/Hill store will require some repairs.
- The Club’s electricity bill is high due to an aging electrical hot water system. A replacement system, which reduces our ongoing costs, needs to be found.
- The future replacement or refurbishment of this clubhouse still needs to be resolved.
Lots to ponder. If you can help with money, ideas, contacts, or assistance please speak to one of the committee. We would love to hear from you.
While most of us have been involved in other activities or relaxing over the winter some of our members have been very active and enjoyed success on the water.
Alex Jurovic, Michelle Bursa and Chelsea Haynes, continued to train and compete in Lasers and Hobie 16 over the winter. Alex can’t be with us as he is competing today.
Pip Pietromonaco and James Wierzbowski have been competing in Europe in their Nacre, which is now in our yard.
Robbie Lovig competed in the World Hobie Tiger championship this year and won.
It is a testament to the commitment and sailing expertise, as well as the coaching received, that these members are flying the club flag not only locally but internationally with distinction. The following is a brief synopsis of Robbie's Opening of the Season address. He referred to how he began sailing by finding an old boat in the back yard and getting it fixed and into the water. How he and a couple of other members, Lachie Gibson and Glen Douglas would regularly compete against each other. This friendly and valuable competition, led him onto a pathway to International success. He encouraged our younger sailors to continue to strive for success, while also enjoying the thrill of being out on the water in a safe and beautiful environment. How many other places do you get to be up close with dolphins? At Westernport we enjoy some of the best sailing conditions in the state. Something that is commented upon by many who visit the club. He wished everyone well for the upcoming season, encouraged members to be active within the club and hoped for continued success for our sailors.
Roger Crabtree
Commodore
|