The historic and much-loved Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron conducted its 159th Annual General Meeting last night with over 190 members in attendance. To comply with Covid regulations, the meeting was held online.
In opening, Commodore David Ward marked the passing of their Patron the Duke of Edinburgh and a moment’s silence was held to pay respect to departed Members.
Commodore Ward thank the Club CEO and staff for adroitly adapting club services to engage Members and generate income. Though curtailed by the pandemic, our sailors scored notable individual successes and collective achievements. He expressed gratitude to our dedicated race management volunteers.
Commodore Ward explained that “the clubhouse has not lain dormant – the carpark remedial work is almost complete; refurbishments to the Carabella Room and Careening Cove are underway. The Conceptual Master Plan is progressing to the design phase to develop our assets, the better to meet Members’ future requirements. Concluding, Commodore Ward thanked his fellow Flag Officers for their untiring support and dedication, and paid tribute to the Members who have loyally supported our Club through this difficult period”.
The Hon. Treasurer Ross Littlewood presented his financial report. He drew attention to recent progress towards environmental care and sustainability; foreshadowed new initiatives to appeal to families and youth at our Club; and promised to harness technology to improve clubhouse services and administration.
Well known Boating identity Christian Brook was elected as the new Commodore. Other RSYS Flag Officers nominees were elected unopposed, Vice Commodore Russell Taylor, Rear Commodore Karyn Gojnich, Captain Michael Lindsay.
Nominations to the General Committee were elected unopposed. They were David Albert Robert Dickson, Amanda Hicks, John Taylor
With the meeting proceeding, Commodore Brook then announced the award of Life membership to the Squadron to Robert Albert OA RFD RD. Fellow Members John Diacopoulos and David Albert paid tribute to Mr Albert’s many achievements in sailing; service and devotion to the Squadron; as well as his cultural and philanthropic accomplishments. The proposal was enthusiastically endorsed from the floor by Gordon Ingate.
Rounding off the evening, Commodore Brook announced that two Members have received awards from Australian Sailing NSW: Will Ryan for winning Gold in the Men’s 470 class at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Rear Commodore Karyn Gojnich – the SheSails Award for the advancement of women in sailing.
