The Yachtsman 2017-2018 RPAYC Yachtsman 2016-2017 | Page 8

June, Tommy, alongside another well-known redhead
(Prince Harry) launched the Invictus Games which will
take place in Sydney in October 2018. It was great to
see the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club volunteers and
our fleet of Elliott 7s front and centre on the Harbour to
support this exciting event.
The 2016-2020 Strategic Plan has been firmly
embraced by all Elected Officers and Club members
alike. A primary element of the plan is to increase
participation and fleet sizes. The Strategic Plan has
inspired a task force to undertake an “Excellence in
Sailing” review. Led by myself, I had the assistance of the
then Rear Commodore Ron Palmer, past Commodore
Richard Hudson and Director Rick Welch and we started
with a blank sheet of paper. The Report has now been
completed and submitted to the Board for consideration.
While most of the traditional offerings will remain, the
Task force’s focus was on responding to the trends and
time constraints of the modern day family to ensure the
Club provides opportunities to fit into these lifestyles so
sailing can become a lifelong sport and one the entire
family can participate in together.
I’m excited to report that our global search for a Race
Director has secured the services of Nick Elliott, who is
presently the Racing Manager at the Royal Ocean Racing
Club (RORC), UK. Nick is due to arrive in Australia
after completing his commitments with RORC. Nick’s
responsibilities will be 2IC to our General Manager as
well as overseeing all aspects of the members’ racing in a
very operational capacity off and on the water.
This will be done by ensuring that race management
teams are supported and that all the operation areas are
coordinated to deliver a program that satisfies members,
encourages new boats to join the fleets and increase the
participation across all aspects o