Changing of the guard

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

A message from the Commodore, Andrew Cox:

I have decided it is time for me to step out of the Commodore role and the Club committee, having served now for ten years – five as Treasurer and five as Commodore.

I am delighted to announce that Steven London has agreed to take the Commodore role going forward, subject to election at the AGM. Steven has been a member of the club for five years, and has been on the committee for a while now, currently as Secretary. Steven has all the ingredients to make a great Commodore:

• Excellent leadership capabilities, supported by great management and organisational skills

• Passionate engagement, great ideas, real initiative, strong drive, and high energy

• Wide understanding of the cultural framework of the club, and its decision-making and operations

• Great knowledge of and rapport with all the members, and effective and empathetic people skills

• Strong advocate for the club, with a sense of pride and ownership, and a great “salesperson”

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Commodore. The club is fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers, who bring professional expertise in so many areas, and it has been an amazing experience working with them, particularly those who have served on the Club Committee with me, but also many other members who have contributed in so many ways. It has been a pleasure and an honour to serve the club, and I thank all the volunteers for their tireless efforts and support.

We are also announcing some other proposed changes to the Club Committee, subject to election at the AGM.

Mark Crowhurst has decided to step back from his role as Vice-Commodore, and to remain on the Club Committee with responsibility for Special Projects. Mark has made an extraordinary contribution to the club during his five years as Treasurer and Vice-Commodore. For one example, his highly successful fundraising work has facilitated significant improvements in the club’s infrastructure, which will benefit generations of members to come. He has been a constant source of wise counsel and robust debate, and I am thankful for his immeasurable contribution and close friendship. 

Rod Barnes has agreed to take the Vice-Commodore role going forward. As current National Masters Champion, he is no slouch on the water, and will ensure our racing continues to strive to be best-in-class at a club-appropriate level. Rod will also continue his huge existing role, working with Pat Levy, in maintaining all our property. Rod is another massive contributor, and I am grateful for his willingness to expand his role.

I am excited also to announce that Tory Epworth, who is a relatively new member, has agreed to replace Steven as Club Secretary. She has been an active contributor to our strategic thinking about how to promote female engagement and increase our female membership and will be a valuable addition to the Club Committee on many levels. Thank you to Tory for agreeing to take on this important and expansive role.

 Finally, Kirk Marcolina, who has been a long-time committee member, including previously, four years as Newsletter Editor, has agreed to take on the role of Volunteer Coordinator.  This is a new role we have created in an effort to distribute the volunteer burden more broadly across our membership. We believe this is a critical initiative to ensure the long term sustainability of the club under the incredible volunteer model and resulting unique culture that is central to its success. I strongly ask everyone to support him in this role, by being proactive in discussing how you can help.  A big thanks to Kirk for the enormous contribution he continues to make, and the excellent judgement he brings.

So, there it is – the end of a chapter in a book you can’t put down. The club is in excellent hands. I am looking forward to seeing the next chapter unfold in my ongoing capacity as a very active and regular sailor!  “Shout” me a beer at the AGP!