MEMBERSHIP REPORT
REAR COMMODORE MEMBERSHIP ROBERT ALDER
Another positive year for members of the RPAYC , with a record 2,073 members as at the end of April 2016 . After many years of decline , boat owning Full Member numbers have remained steady , along with continued growth in both General and Youth members . Resignation numbers were at their lowest point in more than seven years which shows that Members are finding value in their RPAYC membership .
The March Sail Expo was again a highlight of the year for Membership with 28 new members joining , again emphasising the importance of this key event showcasing our wonderful sailing club to a wider audience .
Follow up of all new members remains a key priority for the Membership Committee , and all Committee members have been diligent in being available for the initial informal interviews required for all new members . Then calling new members within six months of them joining RPAYC with our four quick questions about their RPAYC membership and participation . The ideas and useful feedback from new members just keeps coming , and it is always refreshing to hear the enthusiasm and passion for sailing from these recent members . The reduction to two New Member cocktail parties each year has been a success , and the coloured ‘ dots ’ which show each new member ’ s interests in club activities on each name tag for those evenings are a great conversation starter for new members .
Reviewing our priorities of Membership Sustainability and Participation through the three main themes of participation , sailing pathways and syndicated boat ownership , together with constant feedback from members and the Committee indicates that we have been successful at all three themes . With the size , costs and complexity of yachts ever increasing , more syndicated yachts are constantly appearing on the Yacht Register and I have taken a personal interest in ensuring that possible pathways to yacht ownership remain open for all members , whether new or long standing .
Other programs have also been introduced this year for existing members to participate in the life of the Club . Our ‘ GO Sailing ’ program for facility holders resulted in a number of yachts who had not raced or cruised becoming involved in the sport , and the Board has voted to increase funding for an enhanced participation program in 2017 . The Membership Committee has therefore committed to lead a program designed to encourage even more of our facility holders to participate in regular racing or cruising events . If you are a current facility holder and not actively participating in club events , expect a call from a membership committee member soon !
The Strategic Plan will be revised in the coming year based on the comprehensive survey of all members , and will also take into account the 2014 facility holders Participation Survey conducted by the Membership Committee , which resulted in the inaugural ‘ GO Sailing ’ program . We will again revise and prioritise our goals in 2017 , recognising the priorities in the new Strategic Plan . The Membership Committee will continue to contribute to the current Plan ’ s success in membership satisfaction and retention .
I recently wrote to all members to encourage them to participate in the first ever Official Brochure for existing members and sponsors of RPAYC which is due to be published in late August 2016 . Positions are strictly invitation only , with only local , well established products or services of distinct interest to the readership ( particularly the members and the Club ) able to participate . The brochure is free to the club , based on the recently very successful Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron brochure , and with only 5,000 being published , should be able to be used as high end marketing collateral raising RPAYC ’ s profile in the local area for some time .
Membership has recognised that many new owners don ’ t always participate in racing or cruising as they may need mentoring and every yacht needs crew . Point persons / mentors and adequate crew registers have been a constant agenda item this year , so expect more news on enhanced crew registers and more assistance next season .
Special thanks to the Commodore , Vice-Commodore and all the other Rear Commodores for making our regular meetings productive and fun each month , to Jim Bullough as our important Board Liaison who attends our meetings , and the General Manager and all her staff for the invaluable support and advice that Membership has received during the year .
Many thanks to my Membership Committee , which purposely became even more representative of the members during the year when Virpi Tuite from Centreboard and Leon Wilson from Cruising also joined . Many thanks also to ongoing committee members David Kennedy , Sandy Jacka , Liz de Soyres , Russell Murphy , Mark Waterhouse and Bob McClung and thanks for the contribution from recently retired member Cath Hale . A vacancy exists for a member from the Activities Committee , with all other Rear Commodores Committees now represented on Membership .
REAR COMMODORES
YACHTSMAN 15