Commodore’s Report for 2019/20
Once again the MYC has had an extremely busy year.
The club’s projects and activities successes are due to our volunteers. Without them we cannot operate. I take this opportunity to thank each and every one of them who have assisted in keeping the club functioning.
We have settled into our club rooms with an increase in patronage from the local community as well as the regular Thursday and Friday evening gatherings.
Our club membership has maintained constant levels as well as attracting new members – sailors, social and rejuvenation of the power boat division.
During the year we have had numerous birthday parties, Christmas and work functions, and even a wedding.
Sailing Committee chair Mark Coghlan has been hard at work keeping the sailing side of the business running smoothly, writing sailing instructions and more recently writing our COVID-19 safe plans so we could get back to sailing as quickly as possible.
Be sure you adhere to the COVID-19 safe plans when participating in any club activity.
The club was successful in obtaining a grant for the refurbishment of the Elliot 6’s. They now look like new boats and once again a giant thanks to all the volunteers who stripped all the fittings then replaced them after painting. This mammoth task was headed up by Stevo with a huge amount of help from his keen team of volunteers.
COVID-19, like all of the world, has stopped us in our tracks; sailing stopped, the bar was closed, the winter Etchells cancelled along with the She Sails regatta. During this shut down we were able to maintain cash flow with the sales of stock and then slowly opening the bar in line with the COVID-19 safe plans.
We are back sailing with a solid uptake on membership renewals, good clubroom support and now we also have a yoga class on Tuesday’s in the clubroom.
Last year’s Christmas Boat parade was held with perfect weather and keen participation from all entrants. The nominated charity was Rosies Friends on the Street who received the entry fee donation of $2200.
The women’s sailing is going ahead in leaps and bounds through the leadership of Suzanne Mabbott, Kerry Teed and Gaye Hoole.
This enthusiastic group of women are developing sailing skills and social activities, including running the She Sails regatta in October. They cater for all skill levels from beginner through to experienced sailors who just want to have fun. If your interested, contact the club.
Through the work of Suzanne, Mike Hodgson and Ian Jessett the club now has Discover Sailing school accreditation and planning is underway to deliver the Australian Sailing accredited sailing lessons to all skill levels and ages. More details on this project will be published as they become available.
In conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity thank all the volunteers that make the MYC the great club it is:
- Suzanne Mabbott running administration and sailing and women’s program.
- Kerrie Teed and Gaye Hoole with woman’s sailing.
- Stevo for general maintenance, Elliott 6s and bar duties.
- Sparkles (Mark Arrowsmith) for ongoing dock and boat maintenance.
- Mark Coghlan for sailing.
- Scooter (Graham Eaton) for boat maintenance.
- Mike Hodgson and Ian Jessett for the Youth program and Discover Sailing.
- Josh Close for the Christmas Boat Parade and the Winter Etchells.
- Danielle Kennedy, before she left to move to Townsville, with women’s skills and the support of the husband Stu with Eliot maintenance
Now to anyone who would like to join in the running of our vibrant club there is an opportunity to join the MYC Board where your skills and enthusiasm will be embraced.
The AGM will be held as soon as practical. It is then the Board will be looking to welcome new people to join us in leading our small club that has a big heart.
In the meantime, keep safe and well as we look forward to the official start of another great year of sailing, racing and social fun for Mooloolaba Yacht Club.