The Board’s recent work has focused on planning for the Club’s future, strengthening risk oversight and supporting opportunities for members to enjoy sailing.
Planning for our marina and the Club’s future
The Board has initiated a 10-year marina renewal program. Club staff and the Maintenance & Development Committee are developing the plan, informed by recent professional assessments of the marina’s condition. The Board has also requested a 15-year capital planning option to provide a longer-term view of the proposed expenditure.
The Finance Committee, chaired by Scott Robertson, will review the associated repairs and maintenance program and its financial implications. While the details are still being developed, it is clear that significant investment will be required over this period.
To ensure our strategic priorities reflect these commitments, the Board has requested an update to the Club’s Strategic Plan, incorporating anticipated expenditure over the next five years. We aim to have the final draft ready for approval at the October Board meeting, before sharing it with members.
Strengthening risk oversight
The Finance Committee’s responsibilities have been expanded to include audit and broader risk oversight, with the Committee now known as the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee (FinCo). All Club committees have also been asked to consider relevant risks when presenting proposals to the Board.
A new On-Water Risk Management Committee, chaired by Chris Zonca, will assess and oversee risks associated with the Club’s organised on-water activities. Chris brings extensive expertise to the role through his longstanding service as RPAYC’s Chief Special Regulations Equipment Auditor and his role as Australian Sailing’s Ratings Manager. His recent appointment as an International Measurer for the Finn Class further demonstrates the international recognition of his expertise. The Committee includes Rear Commodore Centreboard, Jervis Tilly, Tony Nossiter representing Cruising and David Taylor representing Yacht Racing and Hardstand. Commodore Julia Hornsby has been appointed as the Director on the Committee and will provide liaison between the Committee and the Board.
We thank all our committee members for volunteering their time and expertise to help ensure that risk in consistently considered across the Club’s planning and decision making.
Our financial position
The Board endorsed the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee’s assessment that the Club remains solvent and able to meet its financial obligations.
The Club’s current liquidity ratio is 2.37, meaning it holds $2.37 in short-term assets for every $1 of short-term liabilities. This indicates strong liquidity and provides a sound foundation as we plan for future investment. Any ratio over 1.5 is considered good.
Investing in youth sailing
The Board approved a proposal from Rear Commodore Centreboard, Jervis Tilly, and Race Director, Nick Elliott, to purchase two RS Feva dinghies at a 30% discount through Australian Sailing’s ‘Sail Our Way’ program.
The RS Feva is an internationally established, two-person youth dinghy. Its durable hull, adaptable rig and asymmetric spinnaker make it well suited to training, club racing and parent-child participation.
The boats are expected to arrive next week, and Head Coach Rob Brewer is already meeting with fellow clubs to discuss opportunities for interclub racing. The Board also noted the longer-term strategy to purchase additional Fevas in 2027/28, building a fleet and increasing opportunities for members to participate.
Continuing valued partnerships
The Board approved the continuation of two successful sponsor partnerships:
• Zhik: a three-year agreement offering greater involvement in Club events, support for youth sailing and an expanded presence at yachting events.
• Selden for Sailing: renewal as naming sponsor of the Lion Island Series 2027.
We appreciate the ongoing support of these partners and their contribution to sailing at RPAYC.
Thank you to our staff, committees and volunteers for their work in progressing these initiatives. We look forward to keeping members informed as the plans develop.
Rik Hart
Chairman