Commodore’s Members Update, December 30

As 2021 closes, we reflect on the many achievements of our club over the year. Firstly, thanks to all MYC volunteers who work to make our club activities such a success. We are a volunteer led and run club. Without the wonderful characters who turn up day in day out to keep our club vibrant and active, we would be nowhere. Our Board and members have again ensured that MYC has a healthy balance sheet and have kept our club and our sailing going throughout the many challenges of COVID-19. A special thanks also to all club members who have been so patient and helped as to follow the COVID-19 guidelines to keep things going.

A few important highlights to mention:

• Growth in Discover Sailing, Women’s Sailing Development, and support for our Bay Yacht Racing fleet with the offering of an audit service, information sessions for those new to sailing / racing, along with power boat courses. Congratulations to members who have become qualified race officers this year.
• Our Elliotts were also put to good use through winter with our super fun Super Saturday Series and in Summer with the Friday Rum Runners Series, capably run by our very own Gary Schulz.
• With ongoing and wonderful development of The Wharf precinct, our Elliotts found a new and improved home. Special thanks Gary Schulz, Mark Arrrowsmith and Rob (Stevo) Stevenson and team who worked tirelessly to make this happen.
• The Christmas Boat Parade was back on the MYC calendar this year, bigger and brighter than ever. This important community event, saw hundreds of people gathered along the Mooloolah River shoreline to enjoy the fun and spectacle of the parade and support the event charity, DV Safe Phone. Thanks to Gary Schulz and Tracey Johnstone for organising and promoting the event.
• The Family Tinny Rally was again an awesome and hugely fun event this year, with perfect weather and loads of fun, with a very compelling course!
• The Australasian Etchells Regatta was again a major success, along with the Mooloolaba Women’s Keelboat Regatta (after one abandoned attempt thanks to a COVID-19 lockdown). Members competed in many events this year including (so many, apologies if I miss some): Airlie Beach Race Week, Sailing Champions League AP finals, RQYS Brisbane Women’s Keelboat Regatta, TYC Gals Regatta, RQYS Winter Training Regatta, VX One and Etchells Regattas, Melbourne to Apollo Bay Race, City of Perth Cup, LCSC All Boats Regatta, the B2G, Moreton Bay Multihull Regatta, Hart Cup, the Bay to Bay Race, Club Marine NSW Match Racing, the Hardy Cup, City to Surf Yacht Race and Sail Paradise.
• The MYC was an Australian Sailing Team Supporter Venue. With the Olympics streamed live at the club. Jordan Spencer from Bar Karate also ran an awesome America’s Cup commentary event also from the club.
• Our social media pages have been filled with club activities and events along with fascinating podcasts, thanks to the incredible efforts from Tracey Johnstone and contributors.
• Our social activities including Thirsty Thursdays and Women’s sailing social dinners, along with many after-sailing catch ups have continued to be popular, and many thanks to those throughout the year who have contributed to our working bees.
• Our club house has also operated successfully as a function venue for parties and other events.
• Our club continues to be an Australian Sailing (AS) affiliated club and our Board members attend AS update events to keep up with the many changing requirements. This year we have adopted Child Protection Policies and safety policies to ensure that we remain safe and compliant with the many regulatory requirements for clubs.
• Congratulations to Suzanne Mabbott for being a finalist for Australian Sailing QLD Volunteer of the Year, to Jordan Spencer, finalist for the Sports Promotion Award and also to Jon Cray as Sailing Member of the Year and Gaye Hoole and Kristie Hatch as Club Members of the Year.
• This year we farewelled (with great thanks) Arthur and Val Hodge as they headed back to Melbourne. We also remember valued club members we sadly lost this year: John Cooke and Barry Tickle.

In 2022, your MYC will continue to be a friendly, open, dynamic yacht club that offers rich sailing opportunities, skills development and social events. We will focus on fun and supportive sailing development programs including youth development, we’ll run amazing sailing and social events, we’ll continue to enthusiastically evolve along with the sport, we’ll support our bay racing fleet, we’ll represent the club in awesome races and regattas, we’ll keep our balance sheet healthy whilst we maintain and grow capital assets for our sailing future and ensure sailing and socialising at MYC is safe for all members and guests.

In order to achieve another great year, we of course need your support. If you feel that you have something to offer no matter how big or small, be it volunteering for sailing events, social planning, sponsorship, administration, interior design, boat maintenance, helping out with the bar, cleaning, race organisation, or assisting others; every effort is valued and much appreciated. Please email the club at mooloolabayachtclub@bigpond.com if you are able to assist our awesome little club with a big heart.

Yours in Sailing.

Tanya Kelly