Since the AGM, where more than 50 members welcomed me as the club’s new Commodore and Board, it has been an especially busy period. For the first time in the club’s history, the incoming Commodore was unable to attend in person, as I was recovering from back surgery and participated remotely. I extend my thanks to everyone who helped facilitate the meeting. I am now recovering well and look forward to racing Samphire in the coming weeks.
August commenced with safety audits, during which the auditors inspected 80 boats, followed by skippers’ briefings ahead of the Lion Island race where several finishers encountered gusts of up to 55 knots near North Head. Fortunately, everyone remained safe, although several sails required repairs by a sailmaker. The opening weekend of the sailing season was highly successful, with the club decorated with flags and activities including a barbecue and cannon firing, all supported by excellent weather. Members enjoyed a Friday evening celebration, followed by strong fleet participation on both Saturday and Sunday.
Alice and Maz coordinated a highly successful program of working bees over four weeks. Members contributed to improvements involving the clubhouse windows, painting, the slipway area, gardens and paths, the main pontoon preservation works and at the Green Shed, where several deck timbers were replaced, painting walls and one sliding door was renewed. The list of completed tasks continues to expand. Between 70 and 80 members volunteered their time, demonstrating the strong community spirit at the Amateurs. Volunteers were thanked with a barbecue featuring sausages, onions and refreshments. Working bees provide an excellent opportunity to meet fellow members and contribute actively to the care of the club. Additionally, Kareela was cleaned and polished ready for the new season.
The Water Women secured a small grant through Australian Sailing’s Sail Our Way program, specifically aimed at increasing women’s participation in sailing.. With the assistance of club member Venessa Dudley, a keelboat and dinghy coach and instructor, the group developed a three-week course. More than 40 participants attended the first 2.5-hour session, which focused on becoming effective crew members. The second session, attended by 60, addressed ways to maximise boat performance, followed by a session on racing strategy and tactics. Many thanks to Kylie Twible for coordinating this initiative.
The success of the working bees and the Sail Our Way course demonstrates what can be achieved when members contribute their time and expertise. Building on this momentum, we can support new participants by connecting them with skippers through the crew concierge and encouraging more members to volunteer as tender drivers, race officials or officers of the day.
The club’s next major event is Gaffers Day on 11 October. The event brings together sailors to celebrate the history and traditions of classic yachting. Participants and spectators can enjoy a magnificent display of sailing heritage, with more than 90 vessels having participated in previous years. Gaffers Day also includes social gatherings and activities that foster community and camaraderie among sailing enthusiasts. Book onto the ferry to watch the action on the water-seats are available. Your Board’s primary objective is to uphold the club’s distingished reputation on Sydney Harbour. I encourage all members to participate actively in club activities.
Sailing remains central to club life, while volunteering strengthens unity and camaraderie throughout our boating and sailing community. Growing our membership and creating further opportunities for women remain strategic priorities. Achieving these objectives will require continued commitment and a sustained focus on volunteerism, which is essential to the club’s ongoing success.
With twilights about to commence & as we may have inexperienced crews on our boats, as skipper you are responsible for informing any unfamiliar, new, or inexperienced guests and crew members about potential hazards on board. Provide a thorough orientation of the boat, including instructions for using the equipment, the location of life jackets and the first-aid kit and the safety risks they may encounter while on the water.
Share your knowledge and experience with everyone on board. Doing so will help promote safe boating practices and enable guests and crew to enjoy their time on the water with greater confidence.
Chris Manion
Commodore
