our Finance / Executive Manager Robert Strachan announced that he too would join Jeff in seeing more of the country and retired in July . While Robert was less visible to many members , those who did know and work with him during his time at the Club will know of his outstanding contributions to our administration and in particular our financial management and planning . At the time of writing we are yet to permanently replace Robert .
Operationally , member numbers remain strong , patronage continues to grow and participation in Club sailing activities is also moving in a positive direction in most areas . Twilights are still trending down and we hope that this may turn in the upcoming season .
As I am sure all members are now aware , the Club ’ s Integrated disAbled Sailing program continues its success and has been recognised both at a state and national level through various awards and has also attracted financial government support . The partnership with Soldier On was the focus this year and members should be very proud of the impact that this program is having on so many lives , particularly those in the defence forces who have returned from serving the country in less than full health . Please be assured if you have supported IdS that your contributions have made a very big difference . While Dan Fitzgibbon and Liesl Tesch have been busy training for the Paralympics this year , we look forward to seeing more of them following the Games and in the meantime wish them the best of luck .
Once again the Club Marine Pittwater Sail Expo was a great showcase for the Club and again attracted a broad variety of exhibitors and visitors . The feedback we receive from all who participate in the Expo is very positive and is a reflection of maintaining the niche ‘ sailing only ’ aspect to the event .
Club Marine continue to sponsor Sail Expo and our long offshore January race that due to the damage to Coffs Harbour , will see it as the Pittwater to Southport Race in 2017 . I thank Club Marine for their continued partnership and I encourage members to show their appreciation and consider Club Marine when it comes time to renew insurance policies .
May this year marked my 10 years at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club and it prompted me to reflect on what we have all achieved during that time . It has been a very rewarding period in my work history and I thank all those members who have supported and encouraged me along the way . I have had the opportunity to work with , and learn from , some exceptionally well qualified committee members who continue to make themselves available to me when advice is required in their area of expertise . I also recognise that while I may ‘ generally manage ’ the Club I have a great team of professional staff and managers who have exceptional qualifications , experience and energy that enable me to deliver on the requirements of my role and I thank them all immensely .
2016 has without doubt been the most emotionally challenging year of my tenure , particularly in light of the incident of 27 February . This is a date etched in many minds and one which will not be forgotten and nor will the memory your fellow member David Booth who brought a big smile and joy with him whenever he visited the Club . My thoughts continue to be with Suellen and David ’ s family .
While tragic , the response to the incident , both immediately and soon after was a testament to the character of the members and staff present and to the character of the Club itself . It was certainly a time when you really appreciate what uniting places Clubs are .
Billy Stevens ’ recovery continues and while he is such a happy and positive person , the injuries he sustained mean that his recovery is still a long way from complete . In his usual way , Billy maintains a positive outlook and the Club and others continue to provide support to Billy , but further surgeries , discomfort and frustration continue for him and I know we all look forward to the day when Billy walks back in to the Club . Our love and best wishes are with Billy , Di and their family .
Looking to the future sees the Club preparing to celebrate the past . The RPAYC will turn 150 years on 15 October 2017 . To celebrate its Sesquicentenary , a series of events have been planned kicking off on Opening Day 2016 and culminating with a big Garden Party on Sunday 15 October 2017 . Past Commodore Ross Scoble has worked closely with the Board , the Committee of Rear Commodores and myself in preparing a calendar of events along with a number of commemorative collectibles and merchandise to ensure our celebratory year is really one to remember . The Archives Committee are very active and have a number of exhibits planned to ensure that the history is firmly communicated and celebrated through the Sesquicentenary year . A brochure will soon be available outlining the year of partying that is planned .
The 2016 Annual General Meeting recently held saw the Club thank Rear Commodores Andrew Tuite and Jim Cormack for their contributions to Centreboard and Cruising respectively and welcomed David Taylor and Leon Wilson to take over their respective roles and I look forward to working with them . The Board will remain stable for the coming 12 months and this stability will enable the initiatives underway to progress seamlessly .
Finally and in closing , I again thank the tireless efforts of the management , staff and volunteers who work together with so much energy and pride . We are fortunate to have such dedication and I thank them all for their ongoing care and commitment .
I look forward to seeing you around your Club and wish you all happy and safe sailing for the coming season .
SUZANNE DAVIES GENERAL MANAGER
CLUB REPORTS
YACHTSMAN 7