AT THE HELM WITH OUR GM

FROM THE HELM

Some very good weather late into May has made for an extended boating season. While COVID still continues to impact us all on a daily basis activity in and around the Club has been very positive. A very pleasing fleet of 30 boats made their way over to Port Vincent for the ANZAC Weekend Regatta and a great time was had by all. Further details regarding this weekend appear later in this issue of Groundswell. I would like to reiterate however that the weekend would not have been possible without the contributions of some dedicated members and volunteers and the support of two outstanding sponsors in Dockside Port Vincent (Lillis Group) and The Charlesworth Family. The popularity of functions and events seems to be picking up as we start heading into a relaxed post COVID climate. I would like to remind members that any early booking commitment made by obtaining tickets prior to these events will be refunded should COVID prevent yourself or guests from attending. We have unfortunately had to cancel a couple of events this year due to poor numbers. It is with much regret to inform you that our Youth Sailing Foundation Head Coach, Dale Geddes, has resigned from his position to return to his previous profession. Dale was instrumental in the first ten months of the Youth Sailing Foundation through commissioning and setting up the first program, squads, and instructor team. We will all miss Dale’s enthusiasm around the Club and wish him and his young family all the best for the future. Dale has indicated an interest to continue in some capacity as a contracted coach so we’ll no doubt still run into him on weekends. What a mammoth year for the Club 2023 will be! Our Club’s Golden Anniversary and this 50th year will see enhanced celebration through all the usual events and the introduction of a few special events in what will be a very busy year for all. Already, a marquee ‘on water’ event is being investigated by its own independent organisational committee. The HMAS Hobart Regatta is hoped to be conducted over the Easter weekend in 2023. There will be a race down the coast to the nearby HMAS Hobart wreck and St Vincent Marina on Saturday 8 April with a large formal dinner event planned at Links Lady Bay for the evening. Other events will be placed in and around the weekend by all the associations and our members will be able to take advantage of the popular Fleurieu Festival happening in the area at the same time so watch this space for more details in the very near future. I would like to update members that former CYCSA CEO, Craig Evans, has commenced a new position as the General Manager at Fremantle Sailing Club. Fremantle Sailing Club is the largest ocean club in Australia and boasts over 4000 members. We congratulate Craig and wish him all the best in his new position. We have been experiencing some very positive growth in berthing enquiries and berth sales over recent months. Leasing is always popular and has maintained traction over the COVID pandemic. However there has been a noticeable increase in sales activity currently across all CYCSA managed berths and hardstands. Assisting both potential, visiting, and new members into the Club with their berthing requirements is our Berth Sales and Leasing Administrator, Sarah Belton. Sarah has always been more than happy to assist new people into the Club with a caring hands on approach often ending with a comprehensive walk and talk introduction around our facility. Sarah is also armed with a fantastic knowledge of all things boating having grown up at the Port Adelaide Sailing Club. If you do have any berthing needs please do not hesitate to contact Sarah through our front office. What a great turn out to our very first ‘Boating Conversations’ event held on Friday 27 May. Over 50 people attended a well prepared and very informative presentation by Rod Hunter which focused on winter sailing in Gulf St Vincent. Look out for these monthly initiatives as we look to provide our new less experienced members with some great knowledge from members who have decades of experience and are eager to share. Wishing everyone safe boating, fair winds and following seas as we head into the winter period. Regards,

Adam Hays General Manager