General Manager’s Message

General Manager Mark Bovaird

總經理布馬克 May I take the opportunity to once again wish everyone Kung Hei Fat Choi for a truly healthy, happy, prosperous and successful year of the Ox.

As I write this we have just heard the fabulous and much awaited news that the Government are beginning to allow outdoor sports to resume and we can once again get back to doing what we do best, sailing, rowing and paddling. The exact arrangements are still being worked out, but safe to say we will be back in operation as quickly as the restrictions ease and that we hope that it marks what we expect will be an auspicious sporting year ahead.

With a history in the Highlands going back to 1843 Glenmorangie truly is one of the most famous and popular whisky distilleries in Scotland. On Thursday 4 March you are in for a very special evening indeed in the company of Leo Jockovic, Glenmorangie’s Brand Ambassador here in Hong Kong who will lead you through a tasting of six of Glenmorangie’s best, including Signet, a single malt whisky distilled from chocolate malt and released in 2008. These fabulous whiskies have been paired with a special menu devised by Chef Paul and his team in the Compass Room. Full information for this event is available on page 27 .

We have another treat in store for you on 11 March when we bring you the wines from Orin Swift Cellars in California, USA. David Phinney, the founder of this winery decided that the wine business was the one for him after he spent a semester in Italy studying and whilst there, was introduced to winemaking. He eventually went on to work at the Robert Mondavi Winery before deciding to branch out on his own and in 1998 set up Orin Swift Cellars, naming it in honour of his parents by choosing Orin, his father’s middle name and Swift, his mother’s maiden name. He has gone on to develop some of the best signature wines that California has to offer, packaged with some of the most distinctive and stylish wine labels. This truly is one not to miss as the wines have been paired with yet another sumptuous menu from the kitchen team.

Our final wine event of the month, and another not to be missed, features some of the best wines from the Old World. The Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune are together called Côte d’Or and are historically considered the most important in Burgundy. On Thursday 25 March we feature wines from the Côte d’Or including classic Pinot Noir from the Côte de Nuits and exquisite Chardonnay from Côte de Beaune.

And now to two events with a colour theme, one green, one white. The green of course is St. Patrick’s and whilst St. Patrick’s Day is 17 March, we like make the most of the celebration by having special Irish delights available at the Main Deck and Main Bar from 15 to 19 March. Take a look at page 30.

The white comes in the form of Fête Blanche – our French White Party and as you guessed it, the dress code is white! Envisage yourself at Middle Island on a beautiful evening, enjoying unlimited French cuisine and French white wines with everyone gloriously resplendent in white! This is the first time we are hosting this event so join us for what we know will become a firm fixture on our social calendar. Mark your diaries for 19 March and see page 28 for full details.

Another event that started a few years ago and has increased in popularity each year is the Poon Choi on the Rooftop. This year we are holding the event on Saturday 6 March. Have a look at the photo on page 32 and you’ll see just what an exceptional venue the Rooftop is for this type of event.

Lastly we have just received notification that we have once again been recognised as a Caring Organisation in recognition of the Club’s commitment in Caring for the Community, Caring for its Employees and Caring for the Environment. In what has been a difficult year it is indeed great news to receive this award!

With a full programme of sporting and social events ahead, I look forward to seeing you at the Club.

Farewell to Jacco Klip, Club Operations Manager

At the end of March we will say a sad farewell to Jacco Klip after five years as Club Operations Manager. Jacco joined as we were in the midst of the renovation and expansion of the Kellett Island clubhouse and his experience, drive, enthusiasm and hard work were fundamental in keeping all the outlets operating during the construction work, whilst simultaneously helping to plan for and open all of the various new facilities. The ideas and concepts he introduced have become firm favourites with members and will continue on by popular demand. His sense of fun, team spirit and camaraderie, coupled with his professionalism and love of the Club, its Members and its Staff mean that he will be greatly missed by everyone. We wish Jacco every success for his new position in Toronto where Jacco has been headhunted to help develop and then open a new club and hotel complex.