2021 Opening Day Address

Troy Dalglish

Rear Commodore Regatta

There has been a lot going on both on and off the water since the last Soundings edition was released. Regatta’s, there have also been numerous changes with our Flag Officers, Management Committee, Captains and Vice Captains and of course our Club staff.

Seasons have come and gone: Sail, Power, Sail, or is that Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer. Spring was a little shy this year, but Summer certainly made up for it with temperatures over forty degrees on far too many occasions.

Our On Water Group has seen a few changes, with Scott Nunn leaving us and the return of Sharon Skinner as our Sailing Administrator. Matthew Doyle was also appointed to the role of On Water Group Assistant. We welcome both Sharon and Matthew to SoPYC. I would like to thank Bernie Kaaks and Christina Heydon, who assisted during the changeover period in the OWG.

The Power Yacht Section conducted their 60th Power Yacht Time Trialling season whilst Soundings was in recess. Opening Day went ahead, although it was at risk of restrictions, we managed to dodge a bullet and were able to celebrate the day with all the tradition and fanfare as would be expected, pursued by a successful season for both the club and the competitor’s perspective at both the club and state levels. A special mention and congratulations to Team Amazon, Steve Wall and Amanda Watson for their Club and State Championship wins and Tikkityboo Jason Claricoates and Caroline James for their handicap win in both for the states and club results.

With winter behind us, and on a fine October Day the club celebrated its 76th Summer Opening Day with all the pomp and ceremony deserving of such a day, minus the canon firing. Life Member, Vice Patron and Past Commodore Rupert Leslie declared the season Open and all Members, Guests, VIP’s, Competitors involved themselves in the Official Sail Past and Opening Day Events.

Our Women’s Keelboat Team did us proud in the Women’s State Keelboat Championship off the Coast of Fremantle Sailing Club earlier this year. Placing 5th overall. The outstanding highlight of the day, as witnessed by the Commodore and I, the women’s keelboat squad and countless others was that One Win! It was a ‘hold your breath’ moment as the SoPYC crew, skippered by Mara Vlaar, crossed the finish line in first, the only other team to do so other than RFBYC. As this edition goes to print the team are currently in training for the 2022 states.

SoPYC Sailability Section conducted a very successful Hansa Regatta which was held over 3 days in MidNovember. A total of 16 boats competed during the three days of Racing, with many of the competitors and volunteers seen back after the days racing enjoying the club facilities. Congratulations to the Sailability Team, John Hassen and his team for a successful event.

After the success of the inaugural Goolugatup Sailing Carnival (GSC) held early in 2021, the 2021/22 Wilson Marine Goolugatup Sailing Carnival was held over the December and January. Two State Championships were incorporated into the first part. On the weekend of the 12th and 13th December 2021 a very successful Skiff State Championships was held, with some 29 competitors taking part. This will be followed up by the 9er State Championships on the weekend of the 18th and 19th December.

Flash forward to January and Part 2 of the GSC which included Lasers, 9ers, Skiffs, Cherubs, Javelins and a Foil Fest. Many braved strong winds during the middle days of the event. All these events were very well supported by both competitors and our volunteers. I would like to once again take this opportunity to thank them.

The New Start Boat (Unnamed referred to as Start 1) had its debut during the Skiff State Regatta. Our RO Bernie has given his tick of approval. That is high praise coming from Mister Kaaks. We must thank the State Government and specifically our Vice Patron Kim Giddons MLA as this purchase would not have been possible without the grant received from them. The Regatta Committee will be calling for submissions to name our new start boat in the coming weeks, with a traditional naming ceremony to be conducted later in the year.

On the 1st of January 2022 Australian Sailing Racing Rule 46 now requires all crew to be a member of an affiliated club and be registered with Australia Sailing, when competing. This rule effectively makes it compulsory to sign all crew onboard. Not to mention for safety reason. Where a crew person is not a member of SoPYC or is not an affiliated club member then a SailPass must be purchased. This is still a work in progress, and we are looking for ways to streamline this process to alleviate the frustrations with the current sign on process. For further information about SailPass please visit the website of contact the OWG for more information. 2022 is shaping up as another busy year for SoPYC. Some of those special events include the relaunched Norm Cocks Yimbala – Eun-na-mara Sail and Power Events, Women’s Keelboat State Championships, FF15s States, The Geraldton Offshore Race in May. This is all additional to a usual schedule of events throughout the year.

With scheduled sailing occurring Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays and throw in a couple of regattas and special events the club relies heavily on its volunteers. From start crews, mark layers, safety boats, galley assistance, and so on. I would like to thank all those members who currently, consistently, and reliably volunteer every week. Without these dedicated members, we as a club, would be unable to schedule and host so many quality events throughout the year.

The club is always looking for more volunteers. You do not need experience. If you would like to get involved and help, please contact the OWG to register your interest.

Fair winds and following seas!

Troy Dalglish Rear Commodore Regatta

Keith McLuckie

General Manager

Almost 5 months in the chair and to say it’s been a hectic ride so far would be an understatement. A steep learning curve, together with unprecedented times due to COVID-19 has meant nothing has remained the same for long.

In writing my report I’ve decided take a different approach to previous GM reports and talk more about my team, my goals and my ideas for the future, rather than a summary of events that have occurred in the past.

For those of you who know my background you’ll know I’ve spent the last 40 years in the finance industry. The part you may not know is that for the last 15 or so of those years, although in the finance industry, my role was to engage with and help develop communities through retention and then investment of locally generated profits. The sole purpose being to improve the social, environmental and / or financial position of each community. The most satisfying part of my role was that the final decision on where to invest profits or resources was made by the community.

I see synergies in my role here at the Club whereby decisions on the future are made by members. A saying I’ve been using since I started here is ‘Built by the members, for the members’. As a staff team we regularly ask ourselves if what we’re doing is in line with that saying, and I’m pleased to note that I’m starting to hear others within the team use it in their conversations.

So, if I was to tell you what my primary goal is at this early stage, it would be to rejuvenate the focus on members from an engagement, participation and satisfaction perspective. My challenge is how to deliver results that meet with your expectations.

You may also have noticed a relocation of some teams, with Denis and Caitlin relocating to the Centreboard Clubhouse, while the Facilities team are now based in the On Water Group office.

With COVID-19 restrictions increasing in recent times we have had to ask members, staff and visitors to provide evidence of double vaccination in order to enter many areas of the club. My thanks go to all who have worked with us to ensure that everyone is protected, but also that regulations are followed.

I acknowledge that vaccination is a personal choice and I respect everyone’s right to make that choice for themselves. Unfortunately, this has resulted in a small number of members opting to cancel their membership so I thank them all for their past support and wish them well for the future.

Enforcing COVID-19 regulations at the Club has also seen a number of instances where members and / or guests have ignored requests by staff to produce vaccination evidence. In some cases, staff have been abused for simply following procedures. This is a twoway street and I said previously, I am working hard to improve the member experience, however, will not tolerate abuse of staff in any circumstance. If you have a concern, or even some constructive criticism my door is always open, and my phone is always on.

The staff team has also undergone significant change since I arrived and I’m sure will continue to see changes as we move forward. Perhaps the most notable is the return of Sharon Skinner as Sailing Administrator. Sharon has a long history with SoPYC and after a stint elsewhere, we welcome her back with open arms. One of Sharon’s first tasks was to employ an assistant and as a result we also welcome Matthew Doyle to the OWG team.

Another addition is Premo Jacniacki as our Marketing Officer. Premo is a very enthusiastic addition and will be working hard to improve the standard of the Club’s publications and communications.

Continuing with our new recruits, Glen Sexton joined our bosun team. Glen is a trade qualified carpenter and joiner, has recently been working on a fly in fly out basis for the BHP South Flank NPI and OHP Projects. Glen also comes with over 15 years’ experience within the marine craft maintenance industry for both pleasure and commercial marine vessels.

The departure list is also growing and we said farewell to Robbie Wilson, our head bosun earlier this year. Robbie was with us for nearly 5 years but decided to take the opportunity to expand his knowledge and gain experience elsewhere. We have also farewelled chefs Maverick and Brad, together with Jenny Grant, our Assistant Accountant who all left for greener pastures elsewhere.

Despite best efforts we continue to face challenges with recruitment of chefs, catering and bar staff. The borders opening up in March may provide some much-needed opportunities, but in the meantime Michael and his F&B team continue to work hard to keep things moving forward.

A new position has been created for a Membership and Volunteer Coordinator and we are currently recruiting for a suitable candidate as we speak. This position will work closely with the Membership Committee and will be responsible for developing and implementing member engagement, consultation and communication strategies. So those of you who have provided feedback around improving member focus may be pleased to learn of this new role.

Keith McLuckie General Manager