Westernport Yacht Club Inc. General Committee Annual Report for

Westernport Yacht Club Inc. General Committee Annual Report for

Westernport Yacht Club Inc.
General Committee Annual Report for 2012 – 2013
Summary:
This season has seen a considerable number of positive changes to and around the club. Facilities have been improved.
There has been an increased number racing on weekends. The Sailing School, including Tackers, has had increased
numbers. A new long-term lease has been agreed to with the Balnarring Beach Foreshore and Parks Reserve
Committee. A considerable number of successful social functions have been held. The club finances have consolidated,
though as indicated in the report this area of the club requires further development. Membership continues to be stable,
though like many clubs, offers considerable scope for improvement. All of this just doesn’t happen without considerable
input by club members.
I would like to thank the following for their contribution towards making this season a highly worthwhile one for the club.

Members of the General Committee. In particular the following members who are not seeking re-election;
Jacqui Jurovic who as Treasurer has put in considerable hours ensuring our bills are paid and income is banked,
all the while running a successful business and looking after a family. We thank her for commitment to the club
and help in ensuring the year has been a successful one, especially financially. Barry Greer as Power Boat
Captain, who has always asked the key questions during discussions and who has refined the hiring plan for
the club facility. We wish him well with the completion of his house and development of his consultancy
business.

Christiane Coutant, while not retiring from the committee has relinquished her role as Secretary to look after the
Membership. Christiane has again spent many hours dealing with correspondence, minutes, membership and
the myriad other aspects that the role of Secretary entails. She has provided invaluable service to myself and
the Committee and we are pleased she will still be involved.

Haymes Paints for their generous support in providing the paint used to repaint the whole outside of the Club
House.

Russell and Jenny Jones for organising and in some areas painting the Club House along with many other
contributions made to the effective operation of the club.

Steve Hodgson for supplying the carpet in the bar and Junior Room as well as artificial grass.

Gilbert from Gilron Services for supplying doors and locks to the lockers in the change rooms.

The Balnarring and District Branch of the Bendigo Bank for their continued financial support of the Tackers
Introduction Program for local schools as well as donation of a Defibulator.

Angelo and Peta Pietromonaco from Complete Rubber for supplying rubber mats in the showers.

Peter Green for ensuring the club boats’ sails are kept in good order.

Leanne and Stephen Webber from De Bortoli Wines for supplying the large outside umbrellas.

John Dillon for sourcing and installing the new amplification system.

Ron Bange, Colin and Wendy Franke, Marg and Bruce Douglas, and Joe and Leanne Etherson for their support
in operating the bar.

The many club members who have provided assistance on race days, during social events, helped maintain the
club facilities and provided free expert advice.
Membership
Membership stands at 398 for this season. A number of members for various reasons did not renew this season.
However with the continued success of the Tackers Program and Sailing School it is expected that membership will
increase over the following years. It is also hoped that with the improvement to the club facilities and opening of the bar
on Friday nights more people will see the value in belonging to the club. The numbers we had attending several of the
key functions this year are hopeful indicators of the interest in growing the membership in the future. Remember that
current members are the best advocates for having a person or family join the club. In order to keep fees down and
upgrade the facilities the Club needs more members.
Financial
The Club has finished the year in a sound financial situation. The operation of an increased number of social events,
combined with financial support from a number of supporters has meant the club has been able to provide for some
essential maintenance of facilities and equipment without the need to seek funds directly from members.
A considerable one off saving was made this year on our insurance premiums through looking at what cover was
required in our policies. This is our largest prime cost. We also received a significant donation.
The opening of the bar on a Friday night has seen a regular attendance by a small group of members and guests. This
has increased the cash flow from this part of the club’s operation. Members are encouraged to support this night and are
reminded they can bring friends along as well. The bar will continue to be open through the winter and a heater has
been provided to ensure a warm and snug feeling for those attending.
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Our new lease agreement includes an increased payment. We have negotiated a fixed figure of $360 per month for the
next two years with an increase of 2.5% per year for years 3 to 10. The lease can then be renewed for a further ten
years with a renegotiation of the payment terms. This is an increase payment on the previous lease, which was for 21
years.
We do face a number of urgent and costly repairs and purchases in the near future, which will be mentioned in following
reports. The incoming General Committee will be discussing a range of options for funding future expenses once a
priority order has been determined.
Sailing
This season has been one of the best for sailing conditions in many years. Only two races were cancelled due to poor
conditions. This meant that we enjoyed consistent sailing throughout the season, leading to an increase in racing
numbers on last year. This year we are awarding trophies in Division 1,2 and 3 with the Sabres forming a separate class.
Sailing numbers continued to build up over the season with the maximum of 22 boats entered just after the Westernport
Challenge. The Club had 19 boats in the WC, which obviously generated considerable interest for our racing members.
The remaining races saw consistent entries in the high teens with the final race of the season having 19 boats. In
addition to the official races we also saw a number of junior members on the water sailing ‘mini’ courses after their
coaching sessions in the morning.
Unfortunately one of the races called off this season was the Westernport Youth Regatta. Next season it will be held
earlier and there will be a resail date included in the calendar. It is hoped the event will be held at the club with shared
responsibility from other clubs to run the race.
The junior skippers showed the benefit of all the coaching they have received when they defeated the experienced
skippers in the Westernport Teams Race. The timing of this event is likely to change so we can enable as many
yachting Westernport Clubs to send competitors.
The Club wishes to thank Noel Gibson who identified a need and established the successful coaching program some
time ago. He handed over the responsibility earlier this year to the Committee and recently Glen Douglas was appointed
to the role of Coaching Coordinator. Coaching sessions were held each fortnight and were well attended. There are
now a growing number of junior members who are actively sailing, either in coaching sessions, in Green Fleet races or
club races. Some of the older junior members have recently changed from Optis to Lasers. This bodes well for the future
with the likelihood of increased numbers in our racing fleet and the possibility of class racing. With the success of this
program, a senior coaching program is being considered to run from 11.30-12.30 on the same days as the juniors.
Two successful Discover Sailing days were held, with over 60 people being put out in boats. From these days we were
able to generate considerable interest in the sport as well as potential memberships. In future these days will become
increasingly important to generating interest in and membership of the club.
Two successful School Teams racing events were held, with students, staff and parents from around Melbourne coming
to the club, often for the first time. Also these generated income for the club.
The club also made available a number of club boats for hire, which were taken up by some members for both social and
race sailing. It provides an opportunity for new members to derive a benefit from membership without having to own a
boat initially.
A successful Impulse State titles were held over the March long weekend. Feedback from the participants and partners
was very favourable. Again many club members volunteered their time and it proved to be a financially successful event
for the club. The Committee wishes to thank Terry DeVries for providing his time and the Start boat. The Club will be
lobbying various associations to hold their championship at the club next year.
The club will also be host to the Westernport Challenge next year. The format has changed with all clubs assisting with
the running of the event. It is an opportunity for the Club to lift its profile and aim to win the event. We need as many
sailors as possible on the water. Hopefully with the increase in coaching this will get us ‘over the line’.
Club members Pip Pietromonaco, James Wierzbowski, Michelle Bursa and Chelsea Haynes have continued to place in
the top three for their respective boats in both State and National events. We wish them all the best as they continue to
race through the winter.
Alex Jurovic has continued his rapid development in the 4.7 and radial division in the Laser. He has been attaining
places in the top ten on a regular basis. We will be watching his progress closely as he moves into the radial division full
time and wish him well for future success.
The sailing program is being developed now and it is planned to have it available on line by September.
Sailing School
A huge thanks to Marg Douglas for her work as the Sailing School Principal. Not only did she do all the coordinating for
the courses, but she also ensured we met the new standards of compliance and gained approval as a Discover Sailing
Centre. Under Marg the Sailing School has continued to prosper and generate additional income for the club. It is also
held up as a model for other clubs to emulate.
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This season saw the Tackers programs fully booked over the three weeks in January with 82 participants. In addition the
school ran two Small Boat Sailing Basic Skills 1&2 courses for 20 participants, with the second course fully booked. In
both programs there was a waiting list for some of the courses. The Club has developed an enviable reputation for
providing and running highly efficient and enjoyable sailing experiences for beginners of all ages. A number of junior
club members acted as Assistant Instructors, building up their hours and knowledge towards becoming fully qualified
instructors. From these courses the Club gained a number of new members, including family members. In addition
three school groups enjoyed learning to sail in Pacers during their camp weeks at Balnarring.
Thanks to Lyn Dugay who spent many hours driving a rescue boat during the courses as well as for the School camps
program.
Due to the number of boats on the water the Club required additional safety boats. Thanks go to Russell Jones and
Peter Gray who kindly loaned their boat and themselves to help out. Without their assistance we could not have run the
programs fully.
This has brought to a head the need for the Club to investigate options for hiring/purchasing additional rescue
boats. Also BI11’s motor is proving too heavy for the RIB and it is intended to put it onto BI12 and purchase a
new ‘smaller’ motor for BI11. The usefulness of BI9 is also to be reviewed.
Social
Jenny Jones, Heather Crabtree and Adrienne Dugay together with the leadership of Adam Smith, formed the Social
Committee this year. They planned and helped run 14 social events this season. They were ably assisted by a number
of members who ensured each event ran smoothly and was enjoyed by those attending. Most events were run on a cost
basis, however the sub committee was able to make a small profit for the club. With the increase in the number of social
events, the sub committee will be looking for other members to assist with the various functions. This does not
necessary require you to join the sub committee but an offer of help would be greatly appreciated. It is also a wonderful
way to meet new or existing members and develop friendships.
The following events were held: Opening Day, Trivia Night, Jazz Night, Cup Day teams racing day, Westernport Teams
Race day, 2 School Teams race days, New Year’s Eve, 3Tackers BBQ’s, New Members night, Impulse Titles Function,
Anniversary Day.
Our two biggest attendances were for the New Members and Anniversary Day functions: the latter seeing over 180
people through the gate. This was certainly the social highlight of the season and a special thanks goes to Adam Smith
and the Social Committee for all the planning before and their work on the day. It was a resounding success and
something we can build upon for next season. The Jazz and Trivia nights were not as well supported this year as in the
past, though those attending thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Fishing
The club continues to attract many members who join so they can launch their boats and go fishing in the knowledge
their trailers are safe, they have ready access to where they fish and they can launch and retrieve with the minimum of
fuss. What the incoming committee will look at is finding a way to encourage these members to participate in other club
activities and thus gain a greater benefit from their membership. There is a separate Fishing report, which will be
available for members to read.
Facilities
This season has seen considerable improvement to the clubhouse and yard. Externally: the outside of the clubhouse
has been repainted and the western wall of the Dillon/Hill Boat Shed. New external doors have been put on the western
side. The western stair well has been repaired. New gates have been installed on the beach entrances and a pedestrian
access inserted at the northern entrance. All boat spaces are now colour coded and numbered. Hoses have been
upgraded. The tractor store has been concreted. Existing external signs have been upgraded with current club details.
New signs have been erected, including James Douglas Tower and Dillon/Hill Boat Shed. The weather station was
relocated to the West Cardinal Mark.
Internally: Lockable lockers are now available for hire in each change room. New carpet has been laid in the bar and
Junior Room along with artificial grass in the entrance to the Junior room. Parts of the clubhouse have been painted,
including repairs and painting in the James Douglas Tower. New life jackets were purchased for the Sailing School
program. A computer has been purchased and connected to the TV screen in the clubhouse. A wireless microphone
system and new speakers have been installed. A defibulator machine has been installed in the clubhouse.
The future of the existing clubhouse does require discussion. It has been looked at before but given the
building is over 50 years old, largely built of second hand materials; the time to seriously develop a plan for its
replacement is now. This is something the incoming committee will discuss.
Communication
As members will know the club has not provided a printed handbook for this season. Instead the Committee decided to
develop a new website, increase the use of Facebook and use text messaging as its means of communicating with
members. We acknowledge this has not suited all members and it is planned to publish a printed club directory and
calendar for the next season. However the major means of communication with members will continue as per this year.
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The following are figures for page hits from the web site.

July
2954

August
3839

September
5491

October
6077

November
10405

December
9687

January
12309

February
10167

March
11480
As can be seen, there has been considerable growth in people looking at the site and gaining information. The
Facebook site has also seen considerable growth in hits as well as people ‘liking’ the club. Both of these forms of
communication enable the club to reach a wider audience, which is especially important in this digital age. This format is
vital for us to sell the benefits of being a member, increase membership and sponsorship. For us ‘oldies’ it is worth
remembering that if you know someone who is 12, then they were born in the 21st century and only know computers,
websites and Facebook.
The Committee wishes to acknowledge the work of Mark Axton and Adam Smith in creating and maintaining the website.
Also to Jim Douglas and Tom Runting for their work behind the scenes in improving and maintaining our computer
systems at the club.
Future
Immediate:
Constitution change: New government laws that came into effect in November 2012 mean our current constitution
requires updating. The Committee has decided after seeking expert advice that it is more efficient to draw up a new
constitution. This will allow for existing anomalies to be rectified. Fortunately a member who is an expert in this field has
agreed to do this for the club. It is expected that a new constitution will be presented to club members at a Special
General Meeting in late July or early August.
A motion to form a special committee to frame a new constitution will be put at the AGM.
A new tractor is required to replace the Massey Ferguson. This appears to be urgent despite Frank Jurovic’s
continued maintenance and replacement of parts during the season. This tractor is a key component in the operation of
the club. It is used extensively and the Club enables many members to use it through a licensing program. This is
unlike many other clubs who actively restrict the use of such club equipment.
The Dillon/Hill Boat Shed requires repair to parts of the building affected by concrete cancer. An expert has
looked at the building and the Committee is waiting to receive his report and expected costs to rectify existing faults.
Fees
The Committee in line with previous practice and members’ wishes is recommending an increase in club fees of
3%. This is less than the previous season’s increase and slightly above the expected inflation rate of 2.2%.
Given the expected costs outlined above, this is believed to be the minimum increase to enable the club to
operate in the coming season. The other option is to delay this decision until the Special General Meeting.
Membership fees
Item
Joining fee
Club key deposit
Membership
Ordinary member
Partner
Couple
Family
Youth
Student
Sponsored Junior
Social
Boat Registration
Power boat
Trailable yacht
Off the Beach dinghy
Sailboard/tenders
Boat Storage
OB Upper Rack
OB Lower Rack
Mast Up Monohull
Mast Up Cat & TY
Power Boat
Kids Boats
Tender
Yachting Australia Registration
Roger Crabtree
Commodore
Old Fee
74
62
Proposal
76
64
239
0
333
354
130
94
62
120
246
0
343
365
134
97
64
124
151
151
109
83
156
156
112
85
78
161
161
192
192
78
83
No Cost
80
166
166
198
198
80
85
No Cost