May 2022
Dear Members
My monthly report highlights the key points from the activities of the May General Committee (GC). This month we discussed the possibility of posting the redacted minutes on the members’ portal to enhance communication with members further. The redacted minutes are currently only shared with members of subcommittees.
Presentation Night
This year’s Presentation Night was well attended, with trophy winners and their crew collecting prizes. On nights like these, we witness the energy, diversity, and inclusion of our membership, a fact not lost on officials from other clubs who were there. Congratulations to our club captain Andrew McConchie, the sailing committee, the office staff and general manager Matt Solly for making the event fabulous. A special thanks to Janet Dean for not only announcing the winners on the night but also for her generous contribution in assisting with the weekly racing results. Thanks to Gene Blackley for the great photos taken of the night.
AWKR
We thank our members and sponsors for supporting this big event on Friday night, 10 June. A special thanks to the organising committee.
Clubhouse Renewal
Heritage and maritime approval have been received for the clubhouse redevelopment. People who submitted to the City of Port Philip have recently received an invitation to attend a consultation meeting on 20 June. The consultation will allow both supporters and objectors to be heard. Our architects and planning consultants will represent RMYS at the meeting.
Member Services
You will have noticed Member Services are now sharing their activities via eBreeze. Thanks to Rick Matthews and the team for creating such vibrancy and inclusiveness in our Squadron.
New Members
Membership at the end of April was 951, and we continue to induct new members monthly. Held on the last Friday of the month, new members’ nights create a great atmosphere in the Olympic Bar with new members and their proposers enjoying a meal.
GenOA
The GenOA group meeting occurs on the same night as the new members’ night. The presence of our younger members certainly contributes to a welcoming atmosphere. In May, the GenOA group represented the Squadron in the Commodore’s challenge, coming third. The GenOA group achieved a great deal in their first year, and I take this opportunity to thank them for their contribution to the Squadron.
Finance
The new financial year started well with a surplus in April of $10,913, which was $8,402 higher than the budget.
RMSTA
As reported at the members’ meeting, the aim of bringing RMSTA in-house was to increase membership and provide crew for our racing and cruising fleet. We now have 36 training members engaged in numerous courses over their 12-month membership and those who wish to join as crew on our race fleet. Thanks to the RMSTA for providing the two S80s for the AWKR event. An experienced RMSTA training manager has been appointed, commencing soon. There is still a shortage of instructors, particularly for off-the-beach dinghy courses across Port Phillip and Australia.
Diversity Equity and Inclusion
The committee received a special mention from GC for the excellent work to date. There is much more work to be done given the current rate of the change introduced by the Government, Australian Sailing and others of enforceable frameworks, legislation, policies, and governance requirements for sport.
We believe that it may be prudent for RMYS to establish a committee to manage these matters. If you can assist with such work, please contact me.
Constitution Review Working Group
The group has been working very hard. You will soon receive notification of an Ordinary General Meeting on 2 July 2022, where members present will vote on a special resolution to accept the proposed changes to the RMYS Constitution. Members are encouraged to attend and vote for the proposed changes.
Happy sailing and kind regards,
Greg Marino
Commodore
