Minutes. 136th Annual General Meeting of Royal Brighton Yacht Club Inc. Held on 21 September 2011

Transcription

1 Minutes Of 136th Annual General Meeting of Royal Brighton Yacht Club Inc Held on 21 September 2011 General Manager Eric Wegman called meeting to order at 7.30pm Attendance was confirmed as follows: Commodore Gary Rowswell, Vice Commodore Paul Woodman, Rear Commodore Ross Fisher, Honorary Treasurer Murray Cowdell, Past Commodore John Spencer, Past Commodore Ron Davies, Past Commodore David Bingham, Harry Tedstone, Mary-Alice Tedstone, Charles Stanton, Jim Begg, Tom Hinton, Ken Christensen, Kate Christensen, Kathy De Garis, Lyn Bingham, Sarah Patterson, Susan Adam, Libby Rowswell, Roger Walker, Rod Hannington, John Hearnes, Will Merritt, Pam Merritt, Sally Williams, Brian Slater, Ian Mather, David Meik, Wendy Posthuma, Paul Pascoe, Jennifer Pascoe, Dmytro Orlov. 32 Apologies were confirmed as follows: Past Commodore Wendy Luck, Past Commodore Grahame Chapman, Kim Luck, Don Blanksby, Ray Tyshing, Jenny Collins, Grant Collins, Robert McDonald, Tony Fenton, Phil Bedlington, Caroline Killick, Peter Kane, Roger Jepson, James Ruddle, Bruce McBriar, John Attwood, John Needham, Glenn Norton, Deborah Lloyd, Peter Coleman, Iain Gartley, David Dyring, John Dick, John Gray, Roz Fisher, Ray Smith, Paul Jenkins. 27 Obituaries: Elaine Markby, Ian McCallum, Jasper Smith, Harry Tyrell, Anthony Vautin. One minutes silence was observed. Minutes The minutes of the half yearly AGM were moved to be accepted, by Paul Pascoe, seconded by Ken Christensen, and questions / comments were invited. Mary-Alice Tedstone pointed out her question regarding women s toilets under general business referred to the number rather than the capacity of toilets. With this amendment accepted, All in favour, minutes were carried Business arising

2 None Reports All reports as distributed were to be taken as read, but the various chairpersons were invited to recap highlights. Commodore s report Commodore Gary Rowswell highlighted the renovated Bayview room, repainted, recarpeted, and with expanded capacity now able to accommodate the Annual Presentation and the recent Fashion Show, the improved kitchens, the merbau fencing in the yard, the new power supply cable to the marina. Thanks were owed to Brendan, Porge and Peter for this job. The success of the Dragon Worlds was carried on, and reflected in the Club being well represented at the Yachting Victoria awards night. General Committee has been working on governance, whilst building on Club traditions, and on improving documentation of policies and processes. It has determined a charter for both itself and subcommittees. Other things on the table include improvements to office efficiency and privacy, a wide range of strategic intent statements to be tackled, growth of membership, and the development of a comprehensive marketing plan for members and non-members, and finally the promotion of sailing through effective communication. The Commodore thanked General Committee, General Manager Eric Wegman and the staff, and the many Club volunteers for their work over this year. Moved Commodore Gary Rowswell moved his report be accepted, seconded John Spencer Finance report Honorary Treasurer Murray Cowdell advised the Club was in good shape financially, showing a surplus for the year. This year however will be a year of consolidation, covering kitchen and room renovations at $600k, plus some unexpected expenses, some due to lack of maintenance, others do also happen in a less planned fashion such as the requirement for new drainage in front of building, R&M to hardstand, and the change of caterers which will be reflected in next year s results. The Club spent over $10m dollars over ten years, on rescue vessels, refurbishments and asset purchases. Sabots etc will be re-valued, we have to have a programme of maintenance, to maintain assets, the replacement of a RHIB each year (or maybe just replace bladders), and will address the rubbish on hardstand which costs a fortune. Overall we want to make members happy shore and seaside, as happy people spend money. This new year General Committee will be supplemented with a Finance Committee, to explore financing options, avoiding levies in future.

3 Honorary Treasurer Murray Cowdell moved his report be accepted, seconded Ross Fisher Past Commodore John Spencer asked if Sabots would be valued up or downwards Honorary Treasurer Murray Cowdell advised expert opinion (probably from Martin Sly who built the boats) will be sought, and will be made available to interested parties. Sailing Report Vice Commodore Paul Woodman firstly thanked Rosie Colahan for her efforts and for being very dynamic in development of new programs. Paul Woodman had moved in to assist Don Blanksby who is now standing as Club Captain - as cochair of Sailing Committee. It had been a joy to take this role up and sit with friends, and was now pleased to table this report on behalf of Don Blanksby. Vice Commodore Paul Woodman moved the report, seconded Harry Tedstone All in favour and carried Rescue boat report Chair and Honorary Treasurer Murray Cowdell spoke of RHIB replacement, explained that last year good revenue was taken in from the Dragon Worlds and from hiring craft out to selected groups of people. He also reported that whilst Redeemer was not operational yet, sea trials of this virtually brand new boat would be imminent. Sailing Committee and Rescue Boat Committee will work together to maintain the best rescue fleet on the Bay, illustrated by a rescue undertaken the previous weekend. A fully operational fleet will be part of the kpi s tracked. Honorary Treasurer Murray Cowdell thanked the volunteer members of RBYC. Without them and their dedication week in week out and in all weather - without them there is no sailing Honorary Treasurer Murray Cowdell moved the report, seconded Peter Austin Membership report Chair Ross Fisher reported a small drop in membership of 1521 this year versus 1551 the previous year. We saw 8 to 12 new members every month, but this was countered by resignations at the end of the year. The economic climate had been a factor. We have approx 300 social members, juniors / students represent 10%, crew and crew plus as expected grew at some cost to senior members. The shortage in the 21 to 40 year age group is apparent.

4 It is essential for all members to use facilities and thus keep cash flowing, through sailing and other events and improved services for members. Family and friends of members are always welcome to come and experience the club, so please bring them down on Go sailing day which is a showcase for the club Thanks was expressed to Mandy for being the face of the Club, regular compliments were received, and also to past and present members of the membership committee, recognising that there is a lot to do in the future. Ross Fisher moved the report, seconded Mary-Alice Tedstone. Jennifer Pascoe asked if seniors had migrated to crew. Ross Fisher confirmed that yes, they had to crew and crew plus, reflecting fewer boat owners. Paul Pascoe asked if pay by month was possible which Ross Fisher confirmed was the case. Paul asked if maybe this should be publicised more. Honorary Treasurer Murray Cowdell advised the Club strongly publicised pay by month on direct debit and that this was furthermore promoted to new incoming members. Simon Tedstone asked what the average age and trends for membership were. Ross Fisher took this question on notice and undertook to provide an answer.cruising report Will Merritt expressed big thanks for the volunteers who served on cruising committee, whose programme had been well supported, with a record increased level of attendance. The future is bright, in both attendance and support of its activities. Will Merritt moved the report, seconded David Meik. All in favour carried. Cadet report Ray Smith was an apology Commodore Gary Rowswell moved the report, seconded David Meik All in favour carried Sabot report by Ross Fisher Ross Fisher reported the season had been progressive and successful, and that the team was proud of the number of young sailors 50 in junior learn to sail, and in teenager programme, year by year the platform on the YA syllabus is getting better. This year assistant instructors were used. The program continues to attract more children than we can accommodate, but we are expanding the list to 60, and are evaluating other ways to accommodate more.

5 Sabot sailors have represented the Club well, with 3 out of 5 in Victorian state sailors showing great promise, with success in the senior and aggregate team trophies, and with 7 out 10 Victorians in the national titles. We are building a pathway to member retention as part of a long term vision with continuation to senior sailing levels. Ross expressed a thank you to all volunteers. Ross Fisher moved the report, seconded Honorary Treasurer Murray Cowdell 29-er report Paul Jenkins was an apology. Commodore Gary Rowswell moved, seconded Paul Pascoe All in favour, carried Yachting Foundation report Commodore Gary Rowswell advised there was little to add to the report Commodore Gary Rowswell moved, seconded John Spencer All in favour, carried Asset report Charlie Stanton advised the report covered all activities. It had been a busy year with some big projects, and further in the pipeline for next year. Charlie Stanton moved his report, seconded Peter Austin Paul Pascoe noted the fence had been very well done. Social / House report Kate Christensen advised the Social committee had been active in member engagement off the water, not to raise funds but to encourage usage. An even busier year is now being planned, building on the success of new members nights, Sunday sesh, plus other events. In the process we hope to grow membership by working together with other committees such as membership, as well as the new caterers. Kate Christensen moved the report, seconded Ken Christensen. A question referred to costs for associate groups, in answer it was confirmed that no room charges apply to groups such as cruising, Icebergers etc.

6 40, 50, 60 year medallions These were announced and were possible / presented. Declaration of poll Returning Officer John Hearnes declared that with numbers matching positions, all candidates for Flag Officer and General Committee had been duly elected, and that no vote had been necessary this year. John thanked Susan and Mandy in the office as well as Peter Austin for their assistance. Commodore Gary Rowswell Vice Commodore Paul Woodman Rear Commodore Ross Fisher Club Captain Don Blanksby Honorary Treasurer Murray Cowdell General Committee: Kate Christensen (nee Kate Clarke) Kathy de Garis Tony Fenton Chas Stanton Will Merritt Rod Hannington Kathy de Garis was invited to join the front table, Tony Fenton being an apology both were warmly welcomed. Flags The Rear Commodore s Flag was presented to Rear Commodore Ross Fisher Auditors Honorary Treasurer Murray Cowdell moved PKF remain our auditors remain for a fee of $17000, a $500 increase on last year. Seconded David Meik

7 Ex Officio The Ex officio list was read out Commodore Gary Rowswell moved these be elected, seconded Ron Davies Special business Harry Tedstone observed the proposal for optimist dinghies sounds like a good idea, but asked how it would work alongside Sabots. Ron Davies explained that in thinking about the future of the Yachting Foundation with a stated objective of supporting talented and ambitious yachtsmen up to age 25 competing nationally and internationally, the Sabot was no longer doing the job it had done previously. The Optimist dinghy on the other hand is doing exceedingly well. The national titles at RPAYC saw 170 entries, events such as this give junior sailors the opportunity to compete in big fleets at state, national and international level. The Worlds had seen 120 sailors competing in South Africa. A steering committee of Ron Davies, John Spencer, Graham Chapman, David Gotze and Bruce McBriar and John Dick had met, and was now submitting a proposal for General Committee with a recommendation to introduce a niche class fleet of 6 to 10 Optis, to sail and race here without eroding Cadet and Sabot dinghy programs and to provide competitive sailing and training over holiday periods. Out of 60 clubs, 24 currently use Optis including Royal Geelong, Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, Sandringham Yacht Club, and Black Rock Yacht Club. RBYC is out of step and the proposal evolves around a fleet funded by parents and sponsors, and be financially neutral. Ron Davies confirmed his steering committee was not a formal club committee. David Meik asked how much had been spent on Sabots. In reply the boats had cost $120k. David Meik suggested there was still a risk for further tribal war. Andrew Perkins advised that he had just bought an Opti now, and that with 900 in Australia and 150,000 around the world he warmly welcomed the proposal. Virtually all successful sailors in Sydney had started in Optis. We could not beat the fleet trends in any other way. How long will it take for RBYC to make up its mind on this. Commodore Gary Rowswell advised that the proposal had not been sighted / tabled yet, and that General Committee was not in a position to respond formally. Honorary Treasurer Murray Cowdell advised the Club would not be in a position to financially support Optis and that he had not seen any detail at all. Ken Christensen spoke in favour of Optis, and the need for change to get with the times.

8 Don Blanksby asked how if we have a waiting list now we could accommodate extra kids. In reply Ron Davies advised the Sabot simply does not fulfil its role as well as it did in the past. Harry Tedstone reiterated the intention was not to threaten the Sabot, but this club should nevertheless encourage kids who want to sail Optis. Simon Tedstone observed the Sabot committee of which he formed part had discussed that it did not wish to waste $120k in good boats, but that at a racing level we could not ignore the trend, and should be proactive and open-minded to evaluate and look at best way for this to work for RBYC, not as fractional groups. A committee could be charged to look at this. Andrew Perkins advised that in line with our constitution we should give people the best possible sailing experience. He was happy to pitch in and get progressive, Opti fleets were growing, Sabots plateau-ing we should go with the future. Paul Pascoe pointed out that Tackers nationwide is now like Auskick and that we are missing out on the money provided to promote it and the Clubs who run it. Ron Davies explained that of the 24 on the Bay 15, not all adopted Tackers. John Spencer advised the proposal did not cover Tackers, merely the introduction of Optimists for the benefit of young sailors. Commodore Gary Rowswell undertook to take receipt of the document and review it at Monday s General Committee meeting. There were no notices of motion General Business None Commodore Gary Rowswell asked as last item for members to support our new caterers 37 Degrees South, working very hard on improving standards here at the Club. All present were invited to retire to the Bar Meeting closed at 8.45 pm