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Cruising Division Report

from Breeze August/September Issue, page 60

Article from: Breeze August/September Issue

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the pace and quality we aim to operate at and the services that we provide.

When I have discussions with other clubs and learn of the subscriptions they charge, often with less member services or activity, I am astounded. This is not a criticism of what we charge – it is just the market we operate in. I am proud of the development of our revenue streams over my time here, the growth in our balance sheet, the huge growth in sponsorship, international relations (esp. China) and the high engagement of members’ use of the club to help sustain what we offer.

It would be easier to do less and cut cost. Instead, we aim to do more each year and figure out how to pay for it, whilst maintaining a balanced budget. We don’t get it right every time (what business does?), but we do it well for what we must play with in my view. If we had more to play with, it would be even better.

The critics at times do not always see what goes on as a full picture of the club. It is not just the one corner of the bar, or their race series. It is a sum of lots of moving parts that gets considered with every decision on how we run the Rolls! My advice is always to get involved, give some time, leave a donation if you cannot give time, and join the people you bring to the club.

It is the only way to make it even better. What was highlighted during COVID is our heavy reliance on Food & Beverage to effectively subsidise the core activity of the club. We need to find alternative revenue streams and I would love to see the foundation and bequests increase to a level that provides a solid passive income to the club without this reliance on daily operations; $10m is the initial goal. So, if this club is really important to you and your future descendants, like so many before us, then think about leaving something behind to make sure we are here in another 150 years. Easier said than done but it needs to be a goal.

Lastly, I am most proud of our people and the friendships. I have had some great people help me along the way. So, thank you to the amazing staff we have had that gave huge amount of time, energy, and enthusiasm for the club. Their commitment, belief, fresh ideas, and service whilst still having fun has always been the mantra – I won’t single anyone out as everyone has contributed in some way to our success.

To the hundreds of volunteers that have given their time to make this great club over the years, especially the various General Committee members I have served under, who do so much un-thanked and often unnoticed work for the RNZYS.

To Steve Burrett, Andy Anderson, Steve Mair, Ian Cook, Aaron Young and Andrew Aitken, thank you for your leadership as Commodores and the massive time and commitment as volunteers you give. Each one of you has added something unique to the role and I have appreciated the mentorship along the way.

Also, to the Trustees who have always been a guiding hand – Peter Hay, Bryan Kensington, Graeme Bennett, and Bill Endean. I have huge respect for the many years of service and the guidance you have provided to the club. Thank you to these people and the members that have supported me and what we have been doing as a club over the last few years.

My last thanks go to my family, especially my wife Sarah and our sons Isaac and Lachie, who have allowed me to commit the last eight plus years to the RNZYS so fully (more than half our boys’ lives!). I could not have done this without their support and also their involvement.

It has been all absorbing and relentless at times, and I feel I could not have given any more – but I have loved every minute and look forward to being on the other side of the bar as a member, maybe a volunteer and I might even get to go sailing now! I will always have wonderful and fond memories and I will wear the RNZYS burgee and fly the ensign with the pride it deserves.

See you out there and signing off –

Hayden Porter, CEO May 2014 – Sept 2022

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