AT THE HELM WITH OUR GM

FROM THE HELM

The Club continues to navigate its way through the ever-changing pandemic environment. To date we have encountered no less than 22 changes to trading restrictions, 11 weeks of minimal trade and one forced seven-day hospitality closure. I must commend the staff on the way they have conducted themselves during this period, constantly adjusting in their roles, adhering to and administering both legislation and in-club policies under some of the most trying circumstances. In general the members also need to be complimented on the way they have assisted us with their continual patience and understanding and it has been greatly appreciated. The Port Vincent clubhouse extension has been completed and members feedback thus far has been very positive. The new facility has proved popular with those who have visited recently. For many years the Club has run a popular and well supported event at Port Vincent over the ANZAC Day weekend. This year a special sub-committee has been formed to reinvigorate this event over the weekend of Saturday 23 April to Monday 25 April. The weekend will consist of a race and/or cruise over on the Saturday for both sail and power boats with an AllAssociation BYO BBQ that evening. Sunday will be a special opening and recognition event for the new area with both Club and local dignitaries invited to formally open the area. Monday morning’s ANZAC Day service will see our members and guests combine with the local community at the Port Vincent RSL service at the War Memorial followed by breakfast at the local Bowling Club. The major sponsor for the weekend will be the Lillis Group who are developing a commercial site at Port Vincent Marina. The Lillis group have commenced engagement with the local community and CYCSA members by way of a series of seminars recently in which they described the very exciting plans they have for across the gulf. The Youth Sailing Foundation has begun to build in the new year with several ‘Come and Try’, ‘Discover Sailing’, ‘Junior Squad sessions’ and even the commencement of some corporate activity keeping all involved very busy. One fantastic initiative that has re-emerged through the Elliott program is the Fred Neill Trophy. The state premier Club match racing championship has not been held for over 15 years and our fleet of one-design Elliotts provide a perfect opportunity for the CYCSA to hold this important regatta. The Fred Neill Regatta is scheduled for next season and it will be very interesting to see which other name will be added alongside the likes of Boettcher, Higgins, Deussen and Emery. I would like to further promote the opportunity for any of our experienced sailing members with an interest in becoming an instructor for our YSF and associated programs to contact myself or the Youth Sailing Foundation’s Head Coach, Dale Geddes via email at: ysf.coach@cycsa.com.au. We plan to continue running Australian Sailing Instructor Accreditation courses and this would offer the perfect platform for interested persons to sail the Elliotts, pass on their love for the sport and be renumerated for their efforts. Ít is a great opportunity to remind everyone that we are always looking for volunteers to join our fantastic Cruising and Social Associations. Both these committees run well-oiled annual events but are also always on the lookout for fresh ideas, thoughts and contributions. With the current vibrancy around the Club and our Golden Anniversary fast approaching in 2024 there has never been a better time to contribute. When speaking of volunteers and contribution, I must acknowledge Bryan Mellors and Howard Trotter for their weekly gardening efforts. Brian has been assisting the maintenance team when their attention is required elsewhere for well over a year now and has recently been joined regularly by Howard with the duo keeping on top of weeding and unsightly garden areas. I’m informed that their current record sits at filling five green bins in one session. Thank you gentlemen and I bet the beer tastes great at knock-off time. Wishing everyone safe boating, fair winds and following seas as we head into the autumn period.

Adam Hays General Manager