PETER CHALMER COMMODORE

Vice Patron

In early March I attended the three-day ICOYC European Conference in Gstaad, Switzerland. The agenda for the conference was of great relevance to us and was an opportunity to see what challenges our peers are dealing with and the solutions created. A total of 27 other yacht clubs attended. Information gathered will be part of the General Committee’s discussions going forward.

This edition of Tidings focusses quite heavily on Club infrastructure and processes as we review and implement some important changes for the future of the Club.

The first of these is Our Club Strategic Plan update which is nearing completion and should be finalised in the next quarter.

Going hand in hand with that, the Marina and Site Master Plan which address- es how we see the Club in the future. We are aiming for a goal of 5 years out, a vision 10 years out and up to 20 years for our direction. This work will always be ongoing with meetings and negotiations although drawings and quotes for the shorter term are falling into place.

More immediately, the Athol Hobbs Room and Members’ Bar roof renovation is progressing well with the concept plans and costings being finalised in preparation for Member and key stakeholder engagement in the near future. Two-way discussion with valuable feedback has been held with staff to inform and prepare them for the works that are being envisaged and how those works may affect members and functions.

The implementation of new Northstar software is progressing well with several meetings held with the project delivery team, the developer for the App set up and creating an Ezidebit account. The project is on track to go live in May 2023.

To all those members who completed the Food and Beverage survey, thank you for doing so. The information you provide is important and appreciated.

JOHN BARON-HAY (aka The Baron) passed away recently and the Club will miss his presence greatly. He joined in 1951 and has held offices of Commodore and Vice Patron and was a Life Member. In addition, he served on many Boards including the Western Australian Yachting Foundation, Ron Tough Yachting Foundation and the Dragon Association. ‘Baron’ was highly respected for his business skills, sailing ability, good humour and long-term commitment to the Club. His many years of input will continue to benefit our Club into the future.

We welcome Patrick Anderson-Loake, joining us as the Dinghy and Training Centre Operations Manager. Patrick has been the CEO of the City of Perth Surf Life Saving Club and has valuable experience in Clubs, their management and physical training in sports.

Australian Sailing figures for DTC show us tracking very well and are still the best performing Discover Sailing Centre in Australia for the December quarter.

Furthering the benefits of the DTC, a permit to serve food has been obtained, as has a Liquor Licence for the building and surrounding grassed areas.

Our Liquor Licence was also extended to cover our main wharf and was put to great use for the ‘Rock the Dock’ party recently. A great night of camaraderie and music was shared by all.