General Manager’s Message

General Manager Mark Bovaird

總經理布馬克 I hope you all had a fabulous summer and are ready to go for another busy season of sailing rowing and paddling at the Club.

In July, the Commodore announced via email of General Committee’s decision to designate the three Clubhouses as Type C premises. As a reminder, this means that everyone, members and guests, must use the ‘LeaveHomeSafe’ mobile application to gain entry. It is mandatory for everyone aged 16 to 64 to do this and there are no exceptions for this age group. Those aged 15 or below or those aged 65 or over who are unable to use the ‘LeaveHomeSafe’ mobile application will have the option to complete a specified form. The move to Type C greatly alleviated the pressure on all our Clubhouses by allowing catering outlets to operate at 75% of their capacity (from what was 50%), for tables to accommodate up to six people (from what was four) and to extend dine in hours to 2359hrs (from 2159hrs). Each member account may also now bring up to five guests.

I must say that members’ support has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s been super to see the Club humming with more activity. And the good news doesn’t stop there! We’re also very grateful to be in a position to be able to host Type D private events which require at least two thirds of participants having had at least one dose of a vaccine. The difference between a Type C and Type D private event is significant: maximum of 180 people in Type D vs. only 20 people in Type C, 12 to a table in Type D vs. only six to a table in Type C and in Type C, a private event must end at 2200hrs whilst in Type D the cut off is 0200hrs.

Now is the perfect time to organise those larger scale family or business celebrations that you have had to delay over the past year, and the Club will also be hosting more Type D Club events of our own in the months ahead.

As you know, Government’s social distancing measures continually change – sometimes with significant changes, sometimes with only minor ones. Whenever there is a change that affects the Club, we will adapt as necessary and email members at the earliest opportunity, so please ensure that you are reading all our notices to ensure you are up to date with Government requirements as well as any policies and procedures that the Club implements in order comply with the Government rules, and to make the Club a better place for our community. We thank you in advance for your cooperation. Please also take the time to read our weekly emails which include the more salient points.

I do also ask that if you are inviting guests to the Club, that you inform them of the specified requirements to access the premises. Sadly, whilst the implementation of Type C has been very smooth, there have been a handful of occasions when guests arriving at the Club have been uncooperative or rude to our staff who have been tasked to enforce the rules, claiming that they were not informed of the rules by their host member. Please note that members are responsible for the behaviour of their guests and so to avoid embarrassment at the entrance, please make sure that all of your guests are fully aware of the Club’s requirements.

Now, with that out of the way, there is much to enjoy socially at the Club in September.

The Il Borro Wine Dinner is in the Compass Room on the 9th is a perfect example. Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, the Il Borro enjoyed somewhat of a rebirth in 1995 by way of an architectural renovation, the planting of new vines and applying the principles of new organic agriculture to all their pre-existing vines. Il Borro became an organic agricultural estate and is recognised today as producing wines of the finest quality.

The next day, the 10th, we bring you an Oyster and Wine Night on the Rooftop at Kellett Island. Unlimited all-things oyster (fresh or cooked in a myriad of ways) together with a selection of Les Jamelles wines! A week later and you must make a choice as to where to be! On 17 September we are hosting another Seafood Fiesta at Middle Island where it’s like having your own seafood buffet on your table or you can be at Kellett Island enjoying our traditional Oktoberfest Party with German music, games with prizes and signature German dishes.

Mid Autumn Festival this year falls on 21 September. Come and enjoy a buffet dinner in the Bistro and admire the new moon from a table on the terrace overlooking the harbour. On this occasion, F&B will be taking bookings for the Bistro. Of course Mid Autumn Festival wouldn’t be complete without mooncakes. Our own recipe mooncakes were introduced a few years ago and have become a firm favourite at family celebrations and as gifts to friends and work colleagues. Order yours now; they come in reusable Club-branded gift boxes.

Lastly, to round off the month and to get a head start on National Day celebrations, join us at Middle Island for a BBQ and Beer Festival on 30 September!