Commodore’s Page |
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Time flys when you’re having fun! |
My two years as Commodore are fast drawing to a close. It has been a great privilege for me to be at the helm over this period and to have had the opportunity to represent this wonderful Club of ours at many levels. The strength of any organization lies in its membership base. We are fortunate in having a strong and diverse group of members who are the backbone of the Club. Our membership levels are at an all time high; in particular our family membership is going from strength to strength. This augers well for our future when many similar entities are struggling to maintain and attract new members. Good communication is th)e basis for any strong relationship. I have endeavoured to foster and strengthen the communication between all sections of our club. Our different and varying sections form the character and spirit of our club, and provide a sound basis for every member’s ongoing participation in Club activities. Our Junior Racing section is forging ahead. We are lucky to have many young and talented sailors representing Fremantle Sailing Club in a wide variety of International, National and State based events. Fremantle Sailing Club is blessed with a strong and committed group of volunteers and to all of you who willingly give so much of your time, “Thank you.” I recently had the great pleasure of signing off on a new venture and partnership with Curtin University. This will give us a close association with a well regarded and recognized University, enhancing our position in the community. Although Yacht Clubs are often thought of as being elitist I am confident that this initiative will increase our visibility with both State and Local Government, demonstrating that we are an outward-looking and community-minded organization. It will also enable our members and the Club as a whole to benefit from being close to cutting edge research into marine technology and science. The new developments to the Clubhouse now provide members, their families and guests with a choice of entertainment and dining areas which are second to none. It is wonderful to see our young families enjoying the Sunset Deck and the associated playground. The Galley and Bar are full to overflowing with members and friends dining, breasting the bar or just enjoying the ambience of the Club, especially on Friday nights. Michael, Callum and their teams continue to ensure that our Galley and Function Centers provide high standards of service and cuisine. Under the guidance of Anthony McCann and Andrew Raven the hardstand and harbour operations of the Club out-perform all expectations. We continue to be recognized as an organization which provides good service and reliable access to outstanding hardstand facilities. The Club’s financial position is strong and healthy and this is expected to remain so under the expert guidance of our new CEO Dennis Allison and his team. The Board of Trustees continues to monitor and guide the investment fund, ensuring the future security of the Club. Ken Saverimutto has been an integral part of the financial success of the Club over the last fifteen years and it is with sadness that I announce that Ken has decided to resign his position as Accountant at the Club. I take this opportunity to thank Ken for his untiring efforts and hard work on behalf of the Club and I am sure you will all join me in wishing him every success in his new position as General Manager of the Mandurah Offshore Fishing and Sailing Club. Thank you to my Vice Commodore Gary Webb for his assistance and sound advice on many occasions. To all Flag Officers and Board Members, my grateful thanks for a job well done. My thanks to all staff and members for your support and encouragement over the past two years. All of you have made my term as Commodore both a privilege and a pleasure. Anne and I will continue to be passionate supporters of Fremantle Sailing Club and wish the Club much success in the years ahead. Peter Hector |