General Manager’s Message

General Manager Mark Bovaird

總經理布馬克 As I sit to write this message it does feel like a variation of Groundhog Day; that once again, we are still reporting that there is no sport available and social distancing measures prevail. But, whilst sports is indeed still suspended, and social distancing measures are still in force, work continues around the Club to make the best use of these quieter times and to enhance services and facilities for members for the future.

Firstly, on the sustainability front, we are very happy to share that solar panels are about to be installed at Kellett Island. This is the culmination of three years of work by various committees and will result in the reduction of the Club’s carbon emissions through generating our own electricity from the sun. Additionally, through the government’s rebate system we will not only recover the cost of the installation within only a few years, but also generate additional funding thereafter which will go towards minimising the Club’s operational costs and helping to fund other sustainability initiatives in the future. You can read more about where the solar panels are going to be installed on page 9.

The annual maintenance at the poolside is now complete with one major change. We have removed one of the water features at the children’s pool. This opens up the sight lines from the main pool and seating area towards the children’s pool. Let’s hope that we can open the pool complex again soon for everyone’s enjoyment! Incidentally we have also recently recovered the snooker table; more on that on page 35, so it will be in perfect condition for use as soon as the sporting restrictions are lifted.

Whilst the new Seaward replacement mark laying boats have unfortunately been delayed due to supply chain issues in the UK due to Covid 19, the first boat is due to be launched for its sea trials in April and the second boat is due to be launched in late May. All being well, both of these boats will arrive over the summer and be fully operational in time for the start of the new sailing season. We also have a new sampan being built for Middle Island, of which there is more information on page 30.

Our new Club Operations Manager, Peter Murray, now has his feet firmly under the table and is launching some extra promotions in the next few weeks, including a new oyster bar on Friday late afternoons / early evenings, as well a weekend family BBQ on Saturdays and Sundays including salads, meats and even a free flow drinks package. Both of these new initiatives will be located on the Main Lawn and Main Deck at Kellett Island and are aimed at making the most of our outdoor venues at weekends whilst all sport remains suspended.

On Thursday 21 April we have the Leeuwin Estate Wine Dinner in the Compass Room. Please note that should the 1800hrs dine in ban still be in force at that time, then the dinner will magically morph into a Late Wine Lunch on Saturday 23 April instead. This famous winery in Margaret River, Western Australia, is under the direction of two generations of the Horgan family who work with a team of highly skilled winemakers to consistently produce wines ranking alongside the world’s finest. Please make sure to book early as this will undoubtedly be an extremely popular wine dinner.