AT THE HELM WITH OUR GM

FROM THE HELM

It is unbelievable to think we are already a quarter the way through the year as the warm weather eases and autumn slowly takes over. The start of this year has been encouraging as we come to terms with the global environment and here is hoping things continue to return to some normality. What is currently evident is the amount of interest in the boating and nautical lifestyle with a larger than normal number of visiting vessels and increased activity in berth sales and leasing culminating in the slip being booked out for months in advance. As you would have read in our recent media releases, our Youth Sailing Foundation has been making steady progress during its establishment phase. I am pleased to report that we have currently secured the naming right sponsorship from Northrop Grumman, MUSTO and Dr Jason Ward of Orthopedics SA as a partnership sponsor. We continue to meet with other potential supporters and have been very encouraged with the local, national, and indeed international corporates, that have shown an interest in the Foundation, seizing this unique opportunity to align their business with our Foundation and all the benefits that such a relationship will yield for many years to come. With the first Elliott hull due to be taken from the mould in early March the fleet of six Elliott 7 keelboats are due to arrive from Zhuhai in China to Adelaide in late August. Designer Greg Elliott from New Zealand will be on hand to fully assemble them when they arrive at the CYCSA. We have commenced the national advertising campaign for a Head Coach to oversee the entire ‘on water’ program inclusive of managing the instructor team and maintenance program for the vessels and all associated assets. The Facilities Committee has been very busy lining up several initiatives that will be rolling out over 2021 and beyond. Members will be very happy to hear the main clubhouse wet areas are due to undergo a much needed refurbishment directly after the Easter break. This process is expected to take six to eight weeks during which one of the two areas will be out of action and a transportable toilet prefab will be used. The kitchen floor has been an ongoing issue for some time and will no longer tolerate the constant small fixes to keep it operational. Replacement of the flooring will mean the kitchen will be out of action for 10-14 days and it makes sense to do this while the wet area refurbishment is happening in order to return to normal trade as soon as possible. We will be continuing to offer food however with an alternative menu offer to operate out of the patio area, servicing members, guests and the public. The Facilities Committee has also recently instructed Nelsons Architects to submit three conceptual designs for a deck outside the Admirals Bar and Bistro/Horizons Function area. This would be a very exciting future outcome for the Club should approval be granted subject to funding constraints. In order to appease the many requests from our dog owning members and due to the popularity and rise in patronage at the Bistro, management have recently commenced a trial to relax the Dog By-Laws in terms of getting our four-legged friends nearer the restaurant area with some etiquettes and controls in place. Several clearly marked tables have been designated on the terrace and in the patio area as ‘dog friendly’. It is recommended you inform us of your intention to bring your dog when booking and familiarise yourself with the By-Laws. Also it is very important to remember that in accordance with the By-Laws, all dogs are to always remain on a leash when on Club grounds. We have been informed that this year’s dredging program has been scheduled for September/October. However, we continue to have ongoing dialogue with DPTI regarding the current depth levels at our marina entrance due to different weather patterns and a bad season for dead seagrass accumulation. We have recently undertaken a bathymetric survey and will be passing on these results to the appropriate personnel in DPTI who is obligated to maintain a reasonable depth. I would like to commend all members for the outstanding assistance in ensuring the Club remain COVID safe and a compliancy leader thus protecting all visitors to the Club. Scanning in on arrival certainly seems to be an automatic part of life now so we appreciate everyone’s continued patience with these evolving regulations. Wishing happy and safe ‘on water activities’ to all.

Adam Hays General Manager