Semaphore RGYC Newsletter June 2017 Commodore’s Review Dear Members, Our summer season has been the busiest for many years with numerous training activities, aggregate racing for OTB and keelboat fleets and 10 regattas! We even had extended Twilight racing with three extra races starting earlier in the afternoon after daylight saving had ended. The Winter Series has commenced with some yachts heading north for racing in Queensland – our sailors are passionate about their sport. Members have also been cruising in yachts and powerboats with destinations including Hobart, Sydney and northern Queensland. There is a growing interest in boating activities around the “cruising in company” model as more marinas are available at destinations with safe harbours.
Stage 1A of the Geelong Waterfront and Safe Harbour Precinct Project continues to be the most important facility development and is included in our 2017 - 2020 Strategic Plan. The recent history of this project is as follows: the RGYC Board committed $2.5 million to the then Yarra Street Pier Project in 2008. This project has evolved into the “master planned” project we now have. The project includes a large wave attenuator, 29 new floating marina pens, a combined Off the Beach and Sailing School facility, and a reconstructed senior clubhouse. RGYC has committed $3 million to the project. We have been successful in retaining the support of the City of Greater Geelong for $3 million and Victoria State Government support for $4 million.
The project required the commitment of the Australian Government for $9 million to enable Stage 1A to begin. Our efforts to win this remaining block of funding were unsuccessful so we are now awaiting a decision in the Building Better Regions Fund also provided by the Australian Government. The opportunity to obtain a further $3.5 million has come through the Shared Facilities Fund from the Victorian Government and we expect the result of that application to be known in June 2017.
Our social program also encourages Members to be at their Club and to make new friendships through new experiences at RGYC. Clubs need to be places for Members to enjoy throughout the year and cater for a wide range of interests.
We will be seeking to start construction of elements of Stage 1A of the project, including the wave attenuator and Sailing School/OTB building, as soon as possible if that funding is granted. Our Members will be asked to indicate their support for this long planned major development of our Club and the infrastructure to support sailing and boating well into the future.
The Board has also been managing the Club’s financial position carefully and has invested in improving assets used by all Members. Funds have been used for marina maintenance, lighting, access ladders and ramps, dredging near the boat ramps and pontoon, support for Members’ participation in regattas and provision of services to Members. Fees and charges to Members are kept at the lowest level possible as we balance the needs of today and the Club’s plans for the future.
The Festival of Sails passage Race will return to Australia Day in 2018. This major event is responding to the changes in sailing and to the expectations of competitors and visitors to the club and Geelong during the Festival. There will be a very busy waterfront and city during the Festival of Sails as we share the space with the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and many thousands of spectators. The volunteers who provide so much expertise to the event are to be commended for their part in this year’s Festival of Sails and we will welcome new volunteers for the 2018 event. The 2018 RGYC Wooden Boat Festival will showcase classic and modern wooden vessels as they grace our marina and the racing events of the Festival. This event continues to be innovative in its community focus and links to our maritime heritage. The St. Ayles Skiffs building program run by RGYC volunteers on the waterfront at Deakin University will be a feature at the next Wooden Boat Festival along with racing, boat building and cultural events.
Congratulations go to our Off the Beach sailors who have been great participants at all levels from beginners in Tackers to competing in Cadet World Championships in Argentina. Some of our younger sailors are heading away for the August 2017 Cadet World Championships to be held in Bruinisse, Netherlands; the 49er Worlds in Canada; an Opti event in China and another in New Caledonia. Thanks to the many volunteers who support these sailors as coaches, race officers, canteen operators and drivers. Coach Tony Bull is leading his fifth Australian Cadet Team at the Cadet Worlds – congratulations Tony and best wishes to the team members for sailing success.
Our Club’s success is increased by the involvement of Members (and non Members) as volunteers. Are you a volunteer at your own Club? Do you have ideas that can enhance what your Club offers its Members? I invite you to contact the RGYC Office to begin your involvement. Royal Geelong Yacht Club is in a unique position at the centre of our city, with the best sailing waters available and a comprehensive range of sailing and boating activities for all. We now have an unparalleled opportunity to ensure that our Club has the best facilities for learning to sail, running great regattas and for the safe harbour for our boats for decades to come. I look forward to all Members renewing their membership for the exciting year ahead. Chris Williams Commodore
A noteable Member Frank “Stubbsy” ‘Stubbs Frank was in the Australian Air force in WW2 and in his everyday life worked as a plumber for ‘JC Taylor Builders’. He maintained the gas and hot water system for the Club.
One of the most memorable moments is the day he used the Club starting gun. He lit the fuse and it made such a loud bang it startled the life out of everyone, including himself! Geoff Spedding happened to be taking photos that day and with the fright he received managed to flinch and take a photo at that exact moment (pictured below).
For his wonderful contribution to the RGYC a rescue boat was named in recognition of his many years of volunteer service. Frank raced aboard ‘Merlan’, and loved to sail Dragons. He became a RGYC Honorary Life Member in 1987 and was part of the Race Committee for many years. Frank died on Tuesday 18th December 2001. “Frank had a small motor boat ‘ Scuffy’, which he used each week to lay the courses; back in those days it was mostly the Olympic Triangle Course. He would set off from ‘Eclipse’ into the wind using his own stick and wool, never using a GPS. He believed his courses were better and more accurate and in the triangle skippers learnt more about reaching and tight racing. “Along with Bob Lucas and Ernie Armstrong, they made a great team and I am grateful they all passed their skills of course laying and running races onto others and myself. I remember, Bob Lucas saying in Laser Titles held here in the 80’s, “You never have to second guess Frank Stubbs, his top mark was always spot on!” Frank and ‘Scuffy’ performed many rescues of boats in distress during the years I knew him” John Garner
Once Frank retired he and his wife Dawn would go to Mission Beach in Queensland to stay during the winter months. Frank’s wife Dawn passed away on Friday 17th February 2017 at the age of 91.
Our Supportive Partners Our loyal band of sponsors continues to grow with new sponsor Leura Park Estate joining as our Alpha course sponsor for the Summer Series. Leura Park have committed to an initial three year agreement including a presence on the racecourse with some new turning buoys sporting Leura Park Estate and Jack Rabbit logos. You will find a range of Leura Park Estate wines including Jack Rabbit varieties on the RGYC wine list for your enjoyment. Recently our unique car cruise took in Curlewis Golf Club and Jack Rabbit winery as part of their adventure, enjoying the hospitality at both venues.
In other developments long term RGYC and Festival of Sails sponsor Rex Gorell Land Rover have recognized the value of the exposure and relationship they enjoy with RGYC members and visitors, extending their Club sponsorship for another three years. Land Rover also took up the naming rights to the Viper Worlds Championship and their enthusiastic support and involvement added some excitement to the event.
Wooden Boat Shop and Yanmar will again present the Wooden Boat Festival of Geelong in 2018, and have committed to long term support of this rapidly growing event. Passionate sponsors greatly add to the charm of this event as it continues to grow in stature and importance on the major event calendar. Among several other new sponsors, Bicycle Superstore also provided the hire bike fleet now operating from RGYC. Members are encouraged to give the bikes a try, they are certainly gaining popularity with visitors.
Membership
Cruise Ship Visits Geelong
This summer Geelong received visits from 2 Cruise ships, ‘Seabourne Encore’ and “Sirena”. RGYC welcomed 1180 international tourists as they disembarked at the Club, offering them wine tastings by Leura Park Estate, bike hire, stand up paddle boarding and Markets in the West Lounge. Two visitors took advantage of the sailing experiences on offer and were delighted by the experience on the water.
Social Events & Activities
This season we commenced the “Not just a Sailing Club” initiative, offering new social experiences to our Members which comprised new opportunities such as Stand-up Paddle Boarding, Yoga, Sunday Summer Sessions, Croquet Ahoy and the Piccadilly Night Market. RGYC Members joined in the fun. Expect many of these activities to be returning in the coming season to add to your RGYC Member experience.
Over the 2016/17 Season we welcomed 154 new members to Royal Geelong Yacht Club since April 2016 and have retained 90% of our existing members. The ‘Member Get Member’ campaign brought 19 new family members and friends to the Club. This campaign will be returning in October 2017 to kick off the new season!
Midnight on the Mezzanine New Year’s Eve party was a sell out event. This included canapés, drinks, live performance by Melbourne musician and DJ Nathan Op de Coul DJ & Sax. Guests who attended the party on the mezzanine were extremely pleased with the evening’s events. RGYC celebrated the arrival of ‘WorkSafe’ to Geelong and held a Family Day in May 2017 to introduce their employees and families to the Club. This day was a great success with our visitors excitedly showing interest in learning to sail and enjoying the activities. Two employees returned within the week to apply to become new RGYC Members.
The Annual Commodore’s Charity Ball ‘Bow tie, Boardies and Bling’ had 96 guests in attendance. Festoon lighting, bamboo plants and floristry were brought in to decorate the Club and were received very well by Members. Guests were committed to the dress theme and a total of $2,845 was raised for local charity ‘Give Where You Live Foundation’.
Now that RGYC is coming into the winter months, we are hosting indoor events including the ‘Caribbean Rum Night’ by Melbourne’s Rum Diary Bar, ‘Get in the Spirit’ – Whisky, Vodka & Gin, the Leura Park Wine Dinner, the Annual Race Day at Geelong Racing Club and monthly Trivia nights in the Members’ Bar. The 2017/18 season already has numerous social events and activities locked in, starting off with the ‘Tastes of Geelong Festival’, consisting of both a High Tea and a ‘Christmas in July’ party. Guests are invited to attend supporting local charity the ‘Offspring Project’, whilst wearing their ‘best’ ugly Christmas sweater, indulging in some mulled wine and eggnog with a 3-course menu and live musical performances by Julie Walter and Dom Italiano.
Major Events
Future Club Events 30th June 2017 - EOFY Partner Networking Event 1st July 2017 - OTB Trivia and Auction Night 9th July 2017 - High Tea at RGYC 14th July 2017 – Whisky, Vodka & Gin Evening 16th July 2017 – Race Day at Geelong Race Club 29th July 2017 – Christmas in July 11th August 2017 – Leura Park Wine Dinner 22nd September – Tuckers 50 Year Membership Luncheon 29th September 2017 – Golf Day at Curlewis 1st October 2017 – Opening Day 12th October 2017 – Piccadilly Night Market 18th – 22nd October 2017 – Sailing Pink 11th November 2017 – Gala Twilight Parade 20th December 2017 – RGYC Family Twilight Christmas 31st December 2017 – NYE Midnight on the Mezzanine
The 2016/17 season saw the Royal Geelong Yacht Club hosting a number of large scale events, including the annual Springsail Regatta, the Viper World Championships, the Opti State Championships, the Fireball State Championships, the Laser Masters State Championships, the Noelex Nationals and of course the Festival of Sails. A highlight of the Regattas hosted by the Royal Geelong Yacht Club this year was the Hansa Asia Pacific Championships, held over the Easter long weekend for sailors of all abilities. None of these events would be possible without the tireless effort of our volunteers – a big thank you goes out to all those who have contributed to the continued running of these significant Regattas.
Coming up in the 2017/18 season, the Festival of Sails will return to the traditional dates of the Australia Day long weekend, with the 175th Anniversary of the Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race to take place on Friday 26th January 2018. This event is not to be missed, with a spectacular firework display to welcome the boats after they finish the Passage Race on Friday night. We will also be hosting the biennial Wooden Boat Festival in March 2018, over the Labour Day long weekend, March 10th – 12th, with a number of community displays and activities planned to complement the celebration of all things wooden boat related.
St Ayles Skiffs Project
Sailing & Boating
A feature at the 2016 Wooden Boat Festival of Geelong was a fleet of St Ayles Skiffs – community built rowing vessels that came from all over Australia to participate. Following on from the 2016 event, RGYC Club Member Peter Doyle has undertaken the task of involving the Geelong community in building their own St Ayles Skiffs.
After more than 12 months of work, including applying for and successfully being awarded a grant from the State Government of Victoria’s “Community Harmony Fund”, the Geelong St Ayles Skiff Community Rowing Project has officially begun. Based at Deakin University, two community groups from Diversitat and Lifeboat will build two St Ayles Skiffs side by side, with both boats participating in the 2018 Wooden Boat Festival of Geelong. Members are welcome to visit the build at Deakin University’s waterfront campus and participate. We look forward to watching the progress of the build and seeing the finished product in March next year! Thank you to Peter Doyle, Deakin University, Diversitat and Lifeboat for their continued support and work on the project.
The 2016-17 season has been the year of the Regatta for Royal Geelong Yacht Club, with no less than 10 regattas or events being hosted at the Club. Our Club plays a major role in Sailing in Australia, having the facilities, on water assets, world-class race management and the exceptional waters of Corio Bay at hand. This year, RGYC has hosted 3 major or internationally recognized Regattas, being the Festival of Sails, the Viper Worlds and the Hansa Class Asia Pacific Championships. We have hosted a large number of Regattas including the Sydney 38 short course series for 80 competitors, the Optimist States with 90 competitors, and the Spring Sail Regatta and Coaching Clinic for 150 competitors. We have also hosted a number of State and National Championships along the way. Hosting these Regattas is by direct request by RGYC members, for RGYC members and are then organized and run by those same members.
This has been a big commitment for the Club, with cooperation from the vast experience of the worldclass race management team at the Club. Volunteer assistance comprising hundreds of members making themselves available, and without this depth of commitment these events would not occur. Festival of Sails will be a wonderful celebration of sailing and our martime heritage. We look forward to more RGYC Members than ever participating in this exciting regatta commencing with the Passage Race on Australia Day 2018.
Sailing Academy The Sailing Academy introduced new courses during the 2016/17 sailing season with great success, further developing the variety of learn to sail programs available. New women’s programs along with the Tiny Tackers sailing for children ages 4-6 years, these courses were packed with participants providing strong positive feedback to RGYC. Due to building participation growth and great client satisfaction, the RYGC has been nominated for Victoria Discover Sailing Centre of the Year. The awards ceremony takes place in Sandringham in June 2017. The high standard of service was provided by the dedicated instructor staff who worked tirelessly over their busiest summer to date. The Sailing Academy is planning for further growth this coming summer with a huge focus on junior sailing. RGYC are looking for keen sailors who are willing to pass on their knowledge to others to please get involved and join the team at RGYC Sailing Academy.
2016 Cadet World Championship Nautica Albatros Club, located just out of Buenos Aires on the famous River Plate delta, was the exotic location for the 2016 Cadet World Championship. Once again Royal Geelong Yacht Club was represented by some of our leading Cadet sailors. Dominic Randall and Elliot Hughes sailing “Brothers in Arms” after an outstanding Australian Championship in Sydney (2nd place) were selected to compete. Dom also had the distinction of being the team captain and flagbearer for the squad.
Victorian Government Child Safe Policy
From 1st January 2017, the Victorian Child Safety standards were applied to all sporting codes including sailing. The standards ensure the wellbeing of junior club members is protected.
As of 1st August 2017 any member, non-member or staff (including parents) who are involved in junior activities must hold a Working With Children Card. This will be important for members who wish to assist at any of our major regattas such as Springsail, the Festival of Sails and the Wooden Boat Festival of Geelong. The Card is free and the application takes 10 minutes at your local post office to complete. For further information please see the Victorian Governments ‘Working with Children’ website.
Conditions in Argentina were very difficult; the water was very shallow with lots of refuse floating in it. The winds were very light and with strong tides and a predominantly onshore wind meant a short sharp chop ensued which made it very difficult for the heavier crews like Dom and Elliot. They finished 31st overall from 55 boats, a position that does not reflect their ability and work rate. The learning curve adjusting to these conditions was very steep and they did everything in their power to improve their standing. It was great to see them being proactive right up until the last. As expected their behaviour and attitude was first class. Another pair of sailors the Royal Geelong Yacht Club can be very proud to have as members.
Victorian 2017 State Optimist Championship
Clean Marina Program
Victorian 2017 State Optimist Championships Royal Geelong Yacht Club hosted the 2017 Victorian State Optimist Championships 11 – 13th March 2017. Combined fleet numbers for this event reached 85 with fantastic individual results across all fleets.
RGYC is close to acquiring its accreditation from the Marina Industry of Australia for this environmental management program.
Sportsmanship is a great attribute of competitive sailing. During a pre-start with only seconds to go, Matt Goss was the windward boat. For some reason Matt dropped his mainsheet causing his boom to fly out hitting the leeward boat’s helmsperson in the head. Matt immediately sacrificed his race to wait back and ensure his fellow competitor was ok. “Great stuff“, was RGYC coach Brian Case’ feedback.
The International Clean Marina Program is a voluntary, incentive-based education and outreach program. It encourages environmental compliance and the use of best management practices for marinas. The focus of the program is to assist the marina industry operators in their endeavours to protect inland and coastal waterways by leading them through a voluntary accreditation process. We will continue to work with RGYC Members, visitors and contractors to ensure that RGYC achieves and maintains this accreditation in International best practice for environmental management.
Sailability Ramp
“We now we have a very strong Open presence, our Intermediate sailors sure keep them honest. And these guys have so far to go - if they want to”, commented RGYC Coach Brian Case. Brian Case passionately encourages and nurtures the sailor’s enthusiasm and skill sets to give them lifelong attributes in sailing and sportsmanship. These events cannot be run without the support of RGYC office and RGYC members and many family volunteers on and off water. The OTB Canteen provided great healthy lunches for our competitors and on water volunteers. Our members manned various rescue, start and course boats to make the event run so smoothly.
Eyebolt Program The installation of new pile eye bolts on every Marina Pen has been completed. This has been a very large undertaking as we were also replacing worn shackles at the same time. All up we have installed 240 eyebolts and replaced about 400 shackles. The pier side fixing points are next on the list and will be completed by 30th June 2017.
We would like to thank Past Commodore Harry Farnell for his hard work in organising the design and implementation of 2 new ramps to access the Sailability pontoons. Assisted by Ken Allen, Dennis Hill, Alan Goss, Gavin Wright and Russell Gerischer, Harry and his team were able to transform the area into something much more aesthetically pleasing, far more user friendly and much safer.
Merchandise Members can now choose from a new range of winter gear from Gill, with new season vests and crew jackets added to the range in the RGYC merchandise shop. Come in and have a look at the new designs and colour range on display. Note that other colour options and sizes are available to order, and you can have your boat name embroidered on any of the range in the shop if desired. June specials: Come in and browse the specials table for run out items at very special prices. There will also be a range of wines and beers on special at the bar for takeaway to stock up your boat.
RGYC Business Partners