TIM CUMMINS VICE COMMODORE

ROYAL FRESHWATER BAY YACHT CLUB was again well represented at various championships and regattas over the New Year period both locally and interstate. Well done to all those who competed.

Our Club also performed exceptionally well hosting the Contender World Championships on the Swan River with our own Simon Barwood not only playing a pivotal role helping to facilitate a marvellous regatta but to also finish second overall in the event. Appreciation and gratitude go to Race Officer Hon John McKecknie and his large team of volunteers for an outstanding job coordinating the series.

We also had a number of Club members compete on all three Western Australian entries in the 2022 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. A special mention goes to Anthony Kirk and crew on his GP42 Enterprise Next Generation who won the seamanship award for assisting Koa who lost her rudder during the race and David Davenport’s TP52 Crush who finished 16th overall. Crush then backed it up to take out the 75 Bunbury & Return Ocean Race and in doing so break Craig Carter’s record set on Indian

Our attention now moves to the Flying Fifteen World Championships commenc- ing in March off Fremantle with 79 entries which we are looking forward to. It is a huge commitment from our volunteers who give up long and countless hours so that we can enjoy our sport of sailing. It simply wouldn’t happen without you and encourage all who are interested to get involved with your fellow members.

Off the water our Club staff have performed wonderfully well closing out an extraordinarily busy festive season with no less than 51 functions in the month of December alone and of course a visit from the Prime Minister in February. The Club also recently presented proceeds totalling $29,138.07 to Zonta House Refuge Association as the beneficiary of last year’s Melbourne Cup charity event which is a fantastic result.

The Club also held for the first time a magnificent ‘Rock the Dock’ party for close to 400 members and their guests held on the main wharf to hear the main act ‘Some Like it Yacht’ perform till late in the evening. 18 boats were rafted and lit up on the main wharf which added to the terrific atmosphere. An event we will certainly look to repeat next year.

House Committee recently invited members to an online survey to gauge valuable feedback on our food and beverage offerings. The results were overwhelming supportive for our friendly and professional staff, superb venue and outlook, with constructive comments for other areas. House Committee is now tasked to look at these elements moving forward.

Some survey feedback also related to minor cases of member and guest behaviour at the Club. I would like to take this opportunity to remind all members that they are responsible for their guests and children whilst at the Club. We are a contemporary family member based Club, and as members we all have an equal responsibility to ensure members and staff are treated respectfully and that all members and their guests follow the simple house rules for the benefit and enjoyment of all.