Commodore's report at the 100th AGM of DYC on 3 August 2023 -- Blair Cliffe

Good evening and welcome to the 100th DYC AGM.  I have asked Tony Bullard, our Vice Commodore, to present this report as I am currently in the UK looking after my mother who has been in hospital, and is now in a home, as I prepare her house to be sold.

Prior to preparing this report I read through some of the previous ones that had been submitted and I was particularly struck by one of those from Hugh Pollock who noted that to succeed as a yacht club we have to work to enhance all three of our club’s main components; these being Sailing Activities, Haulage Services and Social Events.  Throughout this last year we have suffered with terrible weather for our sailing and the tail end of Covid for our Social Events therefore despite the best efforts of our committees and volunteers we have not had such a good year.

The sailing season was terribly affected by the bad weather with what I am sure must have been a record number of cancellations, postponements and changes of routes.  This continued into the cruising season over the Christmas break and for those of us out there it felt at times more like an endurance test than the usual pleasurable experience.  Our Sailing Master Hugh Maguire ably assisted by the Sailing Committee kept on top of things and did their best to provide safe, enjoyable events but despite their best efforts attendance fell as the season waned and the momentum of taking part was lost.  We can only hope that Tangaroa will be kinder to us next season and we can all enjoy the warmth of summer again.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind all members that you do not have to race to enjoy the social side of our racing events nor even to own a yacht.  Nearly every race is followed by a BBQ on the beach where the usual tall tales and blatant lies are told.  Do please come and join us by whatever means you have.

DYC getting ready for a beach BBQ at Oneroa

Haulage continues to be as popular as ever with a full yard and heavy demand for the universal.  Our Haulage Master Paul Walters, with assistance from the usual team as always, have done a sterling job.  There is likely to be increasing demand for haulage spots as haulout yards are closed for various reasons.  Haulage is a good earner for the club as well as a great asset for our members and it is terribly important that we continue to upgrade and maintain all the equipment to as high a level as possible to ensure we continue to provide a safe and professional service.  As we all know one accident will have the whole operation under scrutiny and it may well be closed down.  We must continue to operate the yard in a professional manner and all must continue to conscientiously follow the H&S guidance provided.

The Social Committee, led by my wife Emma, were feeling rather despondent part way through the year as low takeup at events they had organised meant that they had to be cancelled.  In the main I think this was due to an ongoing worry about Covid and that members were concerned about gathering in large numbers in a confined space. However as the year progressed they have managed to turn things around and at the same time introduced more locals to our club.  The quiz night was a resounding success with not a spare seat in the house, with many members inviting friends to join them.  A recent success has been the re-introduction of regular music at the club with Tainui Tuesdays performing on Sunday afternoons.  These events have been open to both club members and the public and again have introduced new people to the delights of DYC.  Not only that, but both the band and the club are profiting financially.  Sadly I have been away for both events so far but it is great to hear that dancing is once again taking place at the club.

the incredible social committee!

There have been a number of ideas recently which have introduced new people to the club in addition to those just mentioned.  Our Facebook page and electronic visibility has increased markedly under the control of Paula Shelton getting our brand out there.  The new noticeboards (supplied in a mutually attractive exchange with The Vic) are hopefully drawing attention to the attractions.  A number of Pilates with Emma’s clients have joined the club.  We have continued to provide a facility for Community Groups to meet for free and a list of these will be attached later as an official record of their numbers.  Our sponsorship sub-committee have been working hard to provide new style packages for sponsors that will be mutually beneficial to both parties and we hope that local businesses will display our logo to show their affiliation.  All of this has meant that, despite a few people not renewing their memberships, the number of members remains steady.  I am hopeful that all this activity will get the DYC brand more recognisable in our community and we will increase our relevance and usefulness to it as well as our members.

I have tried tonight to not name too many people who contribute to the club as that list would of course be a long one.  Finances however underpin everything and Grant Daniel has been our Treasurer now for many years. Grant has quietly and efficiently got on with his role, providing sensible and cautious advice to the Committee and your Flags.  You will hear the detailed financial statement from Grant shortly but I would like to single him out tonight and thank him wholeheartedly for his efforts over the years.  I would also like to formally welcome Paul Treacher who has volunteered to take on this very important, but rather thankless, task.  Thank you both.

grant daniel (treasurer) sups from the cup of sailing success

As many of you know I have decided not to stand to re-election this year.  When I took on the role of a Flag Officer I was working locally and had the time to dedicate to the task.  My work has now changed with me being away at sea for six months of the year and I did not feel that I could perform in the role of Commodore as I wanted to or as was expected by the members.  Tony and Mark fully supported me but I did not feel it would be fair either to them or the club for me to continue.  I would like to thank all those who have stood by me and who work tirelessly behind the scenes for little or no thanks to make this club the friendly and welcoming place that it is.

It has been a difficult year as I have discussed but I think we have come out of Covid’s shadow and are set for good future.  We continue to progress with improvements to the club and will continue to do so as funds become available.

Thank you all.  I hope you enjoy the cake and Emma and I will raise a glass to you all for the 100th AGM.