BALMAIN SAILING

CLUB2012-2013 Annual Report

Annual General Meeting 201310:30am on Sunday, 28 July 2013

Balmain Sailing Club Water Street, Balmain

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CoNteNtS

Welcome to the Balmain Sailing Club 3

Commodore’s Report 5

Vice Commodore’s Report 7

Treasurer’s Report 10

Balmain Sailing School Report 11

Balmain Regatta Report 13

Club activities over 2012-2013 15

Outlook for 2013-2014 20

How to get involved? Where to take an idea? 23

Appendix A: 2012-2013 Financials 24

Appendix B: Crew role descriptions 27

Appendix C: Proposed organisation structure, 2013-2014 Committee & Crew 31

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1 WeLCoMe to the BALMAIN SAILING CLUB

Welcome to all existing members and newcomers to the Balmain Sailing Club!

CLUB MISSIoN StAteMeNt

The BSC is a friendly community based sailing club with active training, racing, cruising

and social programs The emphasis is on fun; providing friendly competition and sailing-

related activities in a social atmosphere We:

• Facilitate access to the water for the local community

• Promote sailing activities – both competitive and social, for beginners and

experienced sailors

• Provide a welcoming place for like-minded members of the community to engage,

share knowledge and experience

oUR StoRy – hoW It ALL BeGAN

The original Balmain Sailing Club was formed in October 1885, in the era of the

wonderfully over-canvassed open boats that varied in length from the 22 footers down

to the impossibly proportioned six footers – the hull was six foot wide and six foot long,

but they were 22 foot from the tip of their bow-sprit to the end of the boom!

The Balmain Sailing Club was later re-established in 1995 after a period of little activity

for nearly 50 years, when a community based group took over the lease for a premises

at the foot of Water Street, Birchgrove, previously known as The Balmain 12ft Skiff Club

It was renamed the Balmain Sailing Club

As the clubhouse and deck were in disrepair, a fundraising and building program was

organised Many enthusiastic and hardworking volunteers came along to transform the

club into the facility it is today

At that time, there was a group sailing on Mondays from Birkenhead Point -- the

Birkenhead Yacht Club -- and as this club disbanded, a lot of members joined Balmain

Sailing Club -- and the club was underway -- with the rebuilding of the deck, the inclusion

of dinghies and the establishment of a sailing school Under the guidance of the first

office bearers and committee, the club began to grow and is still growing today

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Today over 70 boats across five different divisions compete in the Friday twilights, with

the new West Harbour Winter Series bringing up to 80 yachts and 12 dinghies to the

water to race on Sundays The Club’s activities are rounded out with a cruising division

and an active social program

There is also an active sailing school program that offers accredited, formal sailing tuition

to the public This program also works as an effective introduction for new members to

sailing and our club, both to the dinghy and the yacht fleets

oUR SpoNSoRS

Our sailing program would not be as enriched without the important support of our

sponsors Their funds, prizes, donations, and volunteer help contribute to the successful

operation and overall community spirit of Balmain Sailing Club

We wish to thank our 2012/13 sailing season sponsors, and encourage members to

reciprocate their generosity by supporting the following businesses:

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2 CoMModoRe’S RepoRt

The 2012-2013 Committee has had an extremely busy year this year Meetings were

well attended by committee members Our discussions and debates were sometimes

lively but always constructive and amicable The Committee has spent considerable time

and effort looking at areas of potential that will increase the club revenue and build the

profile of the club to help secure our future The costs of running the club are increasing,

especially insurance premiums and general maintenance of our aging building and

equipment

Earlier this year, Suze Chalmers found it necessary to resign from her Director position

due to growing work commitments While the Committee initially decided to proceed

with its agenda with this vacancy, the workload determined additional resources were

necessary The Committee, therefore, approached Charlie Chan and she accepted the

appointment into the vacant Director’s position

A key focus for this year’s Committee has been to upgrade the Club’s back office systems

and processes This includes upgrading our website to expand its functionality New and

existing members now have the option to join and renew their Club membership online,

as well as pay race tender, sail and dinghy storage fees

In terms of upgrading the Club’s equipment, the Committee purchased a new Zodiac

tender/rescue craft this year This new craft is larger than our current red tender and will

replace the aging white duck, which has given members good service for more than ten

years

On the water, we have had a very successful year Sailing participation numbers in all

race series and divisions increased again this year The 2012 Balmain Regatta was

a great success both on and off the water; in particular, it was one of our financially

strongest Regattas Our Regatta chair and team are already planning the 2013 Regatta,

which we expect will be bigger and better than last year

Our inaugural West Harbor Winter Series, a combined series with Drummoyne and

Greenwich, has averaged over sixty yachts per race The Top Yacht System has given the

BSC more credibility within the Sailing Community

In June 2013, Roads & Maritime Services notified us of our successful grant application

through the better boating programme to build a new pontoon system This is an exciting

development for the Club’s future We do have to raise approximately $150,000 for

the project, but at the time of writing the club has already received over $30,000 in

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donations There will be fund raising functions and activities throughout the project and

I ask all members to get involved and support this worthy project

The AGM is fast approaching with five Committee positions up for election: Commodore

(1- year), Vice Commodore (2-year), Secretary (2-year) and two Director positions (both

2-year) There are also many crew positions just waiting for volunteers With our sailing

numbers increasing, we require more volunteers to join the sailing crew So get your

nominations in and be part of the management team running our club

I would like to thank the 2012-2013 Committee for all their time and input; it has been

a busy, challenging and successful year Also I’d like to extend a special thank you to the

Committee members who are retiring this year I wish the 2013-2014 Committee every

success in it endeavours

Fair winds, clear skies, close racing I’ll see you on the water

John Blair

Commodore, 2010-2013

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3 VICe CoMModoRe’S RepoRt

Throughout the 2012-2013 season, our Sunday, Twilight and non-point score racing

has been well attended across the yacht and dinghy fleets

We have welcomed a lot of new members and boats to our club As a result our fleets

continue to grow across the Yachts and Dinghy divisions

BSC RACING SUCCeSSeS AWAy fRoM hoMe

Members of the BSC have flown the flag proudly, racing in Regattas on the harbour and

abroad Congratulations to:

• Meryl Semple and her crew for winning the Short Ocean Pointscore Series

on Marigot Bay;

• Arthur King and crew for their win at the 2012 Airlie Beach Race Week; and

• Phil Grove and crew who won the Commodore’s Cup at the Port Stephens

Race Week

BALMAIN ReGAttA 2012

The 2012 Balmain Regatta, headed up by Chantelle Hodgson as Regatta Chair was

the best ever! Neil Hamilton and his team did a fantastic job of Race Management with

Phil Grove as official Starter and many, many others (too many to list) worked incredibly

hard to build on the success of our largest annual event These efforts will help ensure

that our Regatta it will continue to go from strength to strength for years to come

INAUGURAL WeSt hARBoUR WINteR SeRIeS

The 2013 West Harbour Winter Series (WHWS) has seen nearly 80 entrants compete

from the BSC, Greenwich Flying Squadron (GFS) and Drummoyne Sailing Club (DSC)

This event will hopefully be the first of what I hope will become an important annual

event, west of the harbour bridge

I’d like to particularly acknowledge the immense efforts of Alex Palmer, Nick Ward, the

starters from the Drummoyne Sailing Club and Phil Hare from the GFS Without their

assistance, the WHWS would not be a reality I’d also like to acknowledge all the entrants

from the 3 clubs The DSC and GFS have attracted 3 times the number of competitors

compared to their usual winter fleets – a good indication of the support for this initiative

Throughout the series, each club will host a prize giving ceremony and sausage sizzle,

where members will have a chance to welcome sailors from other clubs This series is

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important for many reasons and its success speaks volumes to the viability of the BSC,

including its commitment to providing quality racing for its members

Thanks also to Simon Oliver, Alan Clark, Lyn Evans and Andrew Spencer who wrote the

courses, Phil Grove who assisted with the Sailing Instructions, Chantelle Hodgson who

created the logo and Charlie Chan for creating a great looking Race Notice template

and communications strategy

BSC hANdICAp SySteMS

In 2012, we introduced Top Yacht handicapping software After a year, I am convinced

that it has been a move in the right direction for the integrity of racing at our Club and for

how our Club is perceived in the broader sailing community Top Yacht’s default settings

are consistent with the scoring as prescribed by ISAF & Yachting Australia Although Top

Yacht presents very well when reading the results online, I have found it time consuming

and difficult to operate However, after a year I am pleased to report that I am far more

confident about its operation and I am keen to share the knowledge and assist those

taking the baton for the 2013-2014 Season

Late last year, we organised an ‘Australian Measurement System’ (AMS) weighing day

with assistance from members from the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club, Middle Harbour

Yacht Club and Sydney City Marine Several BSC yachts were measured and are now able

to compete under the AMS rule, with a view to possibly phase out our BMS handicapping

system It was my intention to run BMS during the WHWS; however, we were unable to

convince the DSC and GFS race officials or members of its merits I would like to see

either BMS or AMS become a part of an ongoing WHWS

RACING edUCAtIoN NIGhtS

With assistance from members, we organised a Rules Night with the YA, a Sail Trim

Forum with sponsor Ben Gemmell, and we hosted an Auditors Course for Yachting

Australia I’d like to thank Chantelle Hodgson, Charlie Chan and Chris Durman, in

particular, for their assistance in organising and coordinating these events, which were

very well attended by members from a range of sailing clubs in the neighbourhood

ReCoGNItIoN to thoSe BehINd the SCeNeS

The end of the 2012-2013 saw the retirement of our long-time, volunteer twilight starter,

Maggie McLaren Maggie has given her assistance at the start desk during our Twilight

Racing series for the past 10 years and I’d like to extend a vote of thanks to Maggie from

the entire club

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The past two years has seen a new level of enthusiasm, highlighted by the increasing

number of members; I am very optimistic about the future of our club

Thank you to Deck Captain, Peter Martin; Dinghy Captain Poppy Moore; Yacht Captain

Alan Clark, Protest Committee Erica Kirby and Philip Grove and to our volunteer starters,

Maggie, Elizabeth, John, Phil and everyone else who chose to assist on race days

I would like to finish by thanking the Committee In particular those stepping aside,

Hannah Heath who has undertaken the task of developing policy, procedures and

heading our future directions task force (and some social and cruising activities) – a

challenging undertaking that will benefit our club for years to come And to John Blair,

who has steered the club as Commodore for the past two years, giving to us all – but

me especially – a huge amount of his time, energy and support

David Stenhouse

Vice Commodore and Race Director, 2011-2013

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4 tReASUReR’S RepoRt

The Club’s financial position improved somewhat this year with increased cash flow

from race fees, membership, and bar sales The main capital expense of about $13,000

(plus significant volunteer labour) was for the floating dinghy ramp, which is great

improvement on the slippery fixed ramp it replaced

The Club has no external debt and at balance date of March 31st has cash reserves

of just under $100,000 The intention is to build these reserves to pay for the planned

large improvements to the deck area These improvements are the subject of a State

Government grant that had not been determined at balance date

Please see Appendix A for a copy of the 2012-2013 financials

Arthur King

Treasurer 2010-2013

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5 BALMAIN SAILING SChooL RepoRt

The Sailing School is pleased to report that between April 2012 and March 2013, 56

students completed the Introductory to Sailing Course and became new Club members

This turnover secured $11,000 net profit to the Club Thank you to Megan Gaylor, Gary

Ferres, Peter Sinclair, Nick Howe and all the Sailing School supporters for your work over

this period, which has enabled us to achieve these great results

WhAt dId We LeARN?

Enquiries to attend the Introductory to Sailing Course over the past season have been

strong with very limited advertising Lessons learnt on the water have been invaluable and

the evaluation of feedback from students indicates further opportunities for learning and

experience in dinghies and yachts alike The School is responding with the Introduction

to Racing on Lasers Course, delivered over four sessions in May by Gary Ferres and Nick

Howe; another course is planned for July

WhAt do We Need to pLAN foR?

In April 2013, Gary Ferres personally purchased ‘Adalana’, which is now on loan to the

School for use This will allow us to complete repairs to ‘Intrepid’ Ensuring the club and

school continued use of heritage skiffs is important to business sustainability and future

income Yacht clubs on Sydney harbour are recognising our school’s point of difference

and are now considering providing the same learning experience in heritage skiffs In

order to reinforce our value to prospects and meet customer expectations on the water,

these repairs are necessary

Continual improvement is required in providing students with learning and sailing

experience in dinghies and yachts The School is now managing a student list identifying

graduates who are available to crew on winter race days Furthermore, if the BSC

Committee could formally identify a role within the club to support this arrangement

with mentoring and facilitating introductions included, it would be greatly appreciated

by the students and the school

VoteS of thANkS

After several years of tireless effort, Megan Gaylor has resigned from the administration

role at the Sailing School Megan’s contribution to the school’s success is greatly valued

by all associated over the past four seasons and was integral to establishing our Yachting

Australia accreditation Jean King has since taken on the School’s administration role

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We welcome Jean King and wish Megan the very best in her current business,

Fragressence, Health and Wellbeing Clinic in Lilyfield

The School would also like to thank:

• The contributions from Club members and local businesses to deliver of the floating

boat ramp, which the school and students have greatly benefitted from

• Gary Ferres for the donation of ‘Intrepid’ and the loan of ‘Adalana’ to the School,

which provides a steady source of income and new members to BSC

• John Blair and the BSC Committee for assistance establishing arrangements with

YA NSW and contributing towards member costs involved in gaining the Yachting

Australia Dinghy Instructor (Level 2) qualification

Finally, the School would like to congratulate BSC and, in particular, the efforts of Bob

Connolly, on securing the Better Boating Programme grant to develop an improved

pontoon for the Club and the broader Balmain community The School looks forward to

providing any assistance it can to help progress the project Likewise, members who can

contribute with their experience and skills in marketing the school ahead of next season

will be highly valued

Alan Richardson

Balmain Sailing School

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6 BALMAIN ReGAttA RepoRt 2012

The 2012 Balmain Regatta, incorporating the inaugural Cockatoo Island Classic Race,

attracted a strong fleet of 120 entrants across 13 classes, with boats from six clubs

represented

From a financial perspective, the Regatta returned a net income of approximately

$20,000, including a windfall of $6,500 in receipts from the Cockatoo Island Film

Festival opening night event

The Cockatoo Island Classic Race, held in conjunction with the Film Festival, attracted

a strong fleet of classic Metre Boats – including three America’s Cup 12 m yachts –

making a great spectacle for our Regatta With the demise of the Film Festival, there

is now the opportunity to much better integrate the Cockatoo Island Classic into the

Regatta in future years

I would like to extend special thanks to the Sydney Heritage Fleet for its contribution of

Boomerang and its ongoing participation in the event, supporting the sailing spectacular

that is the Balmain Regatta

As a major source of income for our Club, the Regatta is invaluable in attracting direct

sponsorship and support from our community

I would therefore like to thank all our 2012 Balmain Regatta sponsors, in particular

primary sponsor Cobden & Hayson, as well as the other local businesses who contributed

in many ways, ranging from the loan of a popcorn making machine, to the donation of

yacht charter services

Thanks also to our neighbours at Hopetoun Quays for again making available to us a

number of berths in which to accommodate visiting boats on the day, as well as freeing

up moorings for the larger Metre Boats

Producing the Regatta is a massive effort and could not be possible without the combined

input from our membership, volunteers and friends of members, of which there are too

many to name individually here

In particular, special thanks should go to Neil Hamilton and Philip Grove for their

continued contribution to on-water activities, and Charlie Chan and Wanda Carter for

off-water activities

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A big thank you also to Tommy and his Team at Tommy’s Bar & Grill, as well as to

Angela Catterns, Ian Rogerson and Davo Stenhouse for their entertaining commentary

and MC-ing on the day

This year’s Balmain Regatta will be held on Sunday, 28 October 2013, so make sure

you save the date This year, entries will be online – but whether or not you plan on

sailing, please lend us a hand to make the 2013 Regatta even more memorable and

successful than the 2012 Regatta

Chantelle Hodgson

Balmain Regatta Chair 2012

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7 CLUB ACtIVItIeS oVeR 2012-2013

exeCUtIVe CoMMIttee UpdAte

Over the past year, the BSC Executive Committee held regular monthly meetings, which

were well attended by Committee members Unfortunately, this year saw the resignation

of Director Suze Chalmers in April 2013 due to increased business commitments During

her time as a Director, Suze’s significant contributions included developing a new interim

BSC website and introducing an e-mail program, used for circulating race notices and

other Club communications We thank Suze for her contributions

Effective from June 2013, the Committee appointed Charlie Chan to the vacant Director

role Charlie has been instrumental in facilitating a more sustainable communications

and supporting systems solution for the Club Given the level of responsibility and

accountability associated with these projects, the Committee determined it appropriate

to elevate Charlie’s standing in the Club to a non-executive Director The term of this

position runs to 2014

2012-2013 No of meetings held = 10 (as at 5 July2013)1

Committee member Position Term Meetings attended

John Blair Commodore 2012-2014 9

David Stenhouse Vice Commodore 2011-2013 6

Mark Cherrington Secretary 2011-2013 9

Arthur King Treasurer 2012-2014 10

Bob Connelly Non-executive Director 2011-2013 9

Hannah Heath Non-executive Director 2011-2013 9

Chantelle Hodgson Non-executive Director 2012-2014 10

Suze Chalmers Non-executive Director 2012-2014 6*

Notes:

1 No Committee meeting was held in January 2013; July meeting still to occur

2 Resigned in April 2013

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key CLUB ACtIVItIeS thIS yeAR

In addition to the active racing program, there are a number of other projects and

activities in 2012-2013 worth noting

CoNStRUCtIoN of BSC fLoAtING RAMp - JULy 2013

The improvements to the BSC ramp is a real success story for how BSC can draw upon

the skills of the membership, improve Club functioning and safety and also have a bit

of fun and come together spectacularly well as a group

The BSC ramp is a key piece of infrastructure for the Club A range of members utilise

the ramp whether it be keel boat sailors - getting in and out of their tenders - the sailing

school, or dinghy sailors As with any structure that is fixed in tidal water, the Club

battled with marine growth, timber decay and slipperiness In addition, its unusually

steep angle made launching difficult at the best of times Its slipperiness posed a real

danger to members and their boats, both regularly getting bruised and/or scraped on

the ramp itself and its growing collection of oysters

With a range of alternate ramp designs produced for free from within the membership,

support was sought from the Executive Additional support from the membership such

as from local consultants and businesses, allowed the project to come to fruition at

minimum cost to the Club The design was always designed to be a kit-of-parts, which

could be assembled by the club’s volunteer labour force its members In a spectacular

show of BSC spirit and fantastic ‘can-do’ attitudes, over a few working bees the new

ramp was constructed and moved into position It is important to note that while $23,000

was approved by the Executive for this ramp, the work was completed for approximately

half the approved amount

Since the new ramp has been in place, the ongoing risk to the club has reduced

dramatically and the sailing experience for all has been enhanced It is also a very

tangible example of the type of thing that can be achieved by the skills and passion of

BSC members

Dave Bennett

Project Rampologist

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BSC SAILoRS heLpING kIdS WIth AUtISM

Over the past 18 months or so, a number of BSC members have been quietly making a

significant contribution to the local disabled community

Every week since early 2012, a number of BSC sailors have been providing the use

of their boats and assisting as crew to take out groups of children and young adults

with autism These kids are students at Giant Steps … a school and resource centre at

Gladesville for children of all ages on the autism spectrum

During 2012, it was mainly kids aged around 11-13, going out every Friday This year,

the program has been expanded to taking out kids aged 12-15 every Monday, and

young adults (over 18) on Fridays

For a child or young person living with autism, the chance to go on board a boat, and

head out onto the water is an extremely exciting event It has a wonderful impact on

the lives of these kids and it means a great deal to their parents and carers It’s also

extremely rewarding for those BSC members who are providing their time and their

boats -- and a significant contribution on the part of the club to the local community

Those who have been part of this program over the past year or so have included

Michael Meehan, Bob Connolly, Neil Hamilton, Philip Grove, Marco Bergermascher,

Ron Lilburne, Jim Stone, Dale Osborne, Janene Porter and Mark Cherrington

We are ALWAYS looking for more volunteers -- both boats and crew -- so if you are able

to help, please contact your committee

Mark Cherrington

Program coordinator

CRUISING eASteR MoNdAy pICNIC CRUISe – MARCh 2013

This year, the Club reinstated the annual Easter Monday Picnic Cruise The destination

this year was Chowder Bay We had upwards of 40 people jump on around 10 yachts,

3 dinghies and a few cruisers who then motored their way from Balmain to east of the

Harbour Bridge While there was plenty of sun, there was a distinct lack of wind to start

the day; the dinghies very much appreciated their towing partners - Huntress, My Girl,

and Whisper! Once in Chowder Bay, members picnicked on boats and onshore, with

Nick Evtoushenko, Phil Grove, Michael Meehan, Gary Ferres and others, ferrying people

to and from boats By the afternoon, the wind had picked up enough for a few people

to try their hand at laser sailing, taking the dinghies out for a spin around Chowder Bay

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It was a great outing, and with the wind to our backs for the return trip, everyone

enjoyed their sail home

Hannah Heath

Cruise organiser

“tRy A dINGhy” SAILING dAy

We successful organised two very successful “Try Dinghy Sailing” days in the past year

The idea behind the day was to give graduates from the sailing school course the

opportunity to try a laser or a taser before committing to buy their own boat We were

fortunate enough to have a few lasers donated to the club for the events

The first day was run by volunteers from the dinghy fleet, who took sailing school

graduates out on their own boats as well as teaching people in the donated boats We

had an amazing turn out of about 40 people The day was a success, everyone had a

great day and survived calm & windy conditions as a storm passed through The day

raised money for the club through bar sales and we managed to get students to take on

some of the lasers for a series

We restricted numbers for the 2nd sailing day to 20 people to make it more manageable

It was another successful day, even though we almost sank Boris!

We have had quite a few people from the sailing days become crew of yachts and

dinghy’s We have had very positive feedback and people have been requesting

additional try sailing days It encourages people graduating from the sailing school to

continue to come to the club

Poppy Moore

Event organiser and outgoing Dinghy Captain

eVeNtS ANd ACtIVItIeS

We had some fabulous social events this year Between the Regatta, Christmas party and

Presentation night, we welcomed hundreds of members, family and friends to enjoy our

Clubhouse and surroundings All star bands provided fantastic entertainment, which

attendees enjoyed alongside some great catering

At the presentation night, the Committee awarded David Stenhouse a life membership

for his dedication and incredible devotion to our wonderful club In addition to traditional

racing awards, a few members received special recognitions that highlight both the on-

and-off the water achievements and contributions of our active members These include:

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• Peter Oitmaa - Club Encouragement Award

• Solveig - Most Improved of the Year Keelboats

• David Bennett - Most Improved of the Year Dinghies

• Meryl Semple - Marigot Bay Ocean Achievement Award

• Arthur King - Wave Nine The Cruising Award

• Carole Criddle & Susan Geary - The Tommy & Marilyn Social Award

• Charlie Chan - Club Member of the Year

Hannah Heath

Prepared with oversight from events coordinator extraordinaire,

Charlie Chan

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8 oUtLook foR 2013-2014

The outlook for the BSC is extremely bright The Club is carrying a very successful and

competitive racing program, an energised and growing membership and has recently

been awarded a Better Boating and Sharing Sydney Harbour program grant

BSC poNtooN deVeLopMeNt GetS GReeN LIGht

BSC’s most ambitious ever infrastructure project - the Pontoon Development - has just

been green lighted by Roads & Maritime Services (RMS), promising vastly improved

mooring and docking facilities for club members The overall cost of the pontoon

development is currently estimated to be around $300,000 Under its Better Boating

and Sharing Sydney Harbour programs, RMS will contribute $150,000 towards the

development on a dollar-for-dollar basis

In brief, Leichhardt Municipal Council (LMC) will build a walkway connecting the public

disabled access lift adjacent to the club with the waterfront This walkway will link up with

a ramp leading down to an L-shaped pontoon system, to be jointly funded by RMS and

the BSC Facing stiff competition from competing sporting organizations for the scarce

funds, the Club submitted a joint application with Leichhardt Council last year

The ‘Sharing Sydney Harbour’ Program’s principal objective is just that - opening up

the harbour to the public To access RMS funding, the Club had to be willing to share

these new facilities with the public According to RMS, our plan “ticks all the access

boxes ” The public - both able and disabled - will have access from Water Street via the

Hopetown lift to the waterfront and pontoons Public access to the BSC deck, however,

will be controlled by a locked gate system

But quite aside from access to the public, the new pontoon system will mean a new deal

for the Club’s long suffering yacht fleet Members need no reminding of the inadequacy

of the present ancient and unstable pontoon Up to four yachts will now be able to moor

alongside the new “L” shaped configuration, which will offer unprecedented shelter

from prevailing winds and swell The pontoons will be secured by pylons driven into the

harbour floor

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A special sub-committee has been appointed to oversee the design, construction and

installation of the new pontoon system, consisting of chair Arthur King and members

Bob Connolly, Chantelle Hodgson and Damian Barker Charlie Chan will be in charge

of fund raising, and you can expect to be hearing from her shortly! With the new

development costing around $300,000, even with the RMS contribution, the Club will

need to raise the balance

So watch this space

Arthur King, Bob Connolly, Damian Barker, Chantelle Hodgson

Pontoon Sub-Committee

oppoRtUNItIeS ANd ChALLeNGeS foR Next yeAR

The opportunities and challenges for the incoming Committee will be to continue to

deliver and improve upon current Club operations while also spearheading the significant

fundraising and project management requirements to deliver the pontoon project

Active engagement and participation from our members has been the foundation of

the Club’s development to date The Club has a proud history of people like you

contributing their time and skills to make it a friendly and successful sailing club There

are many ways you can get involved

exeCUtIVe CoMMIttee poSItIoNS foR eLeCtIoN At 2013 AGM

The club has eight (8) elected directors, comprising Commodore, Vice Commodore,

Secretary, Treasurer and four (4) non-executive directors The Directors currently meet

monthly on the first Wednesday of each month at 6 30pm in the Balmain Sailing Club

clubhouse

Each of these positions serves a two-year term; four of the positions are ‘offset’ by

one year to ensure some continuity in directorial input Accordingly, four (4) director

positions are elected each year Directors may serve for more than one term

These key defined board-member roles bring a focus, expertise and accountability to

the club They ensure efficient day to day operation of the club, financial stability,

and ensure future viability of the club in a way that is in the long-term interests of the

community and our members

This year, there is an additional position open for nomination due to a mid-term

resignation As such, the positions open for election at the 2013 AGM include:

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Position Term Notes

Vice Commodore 2013-2015 Standard election – 2 year term

Secretary 2013-2015 Standard election – 2 year term

Director 2013-2015 Standard election – 2 year term

Director 2013-2015 Standard election – 2 year term

Additional position for election

Commodore 2013-2014 Resignation mid-term, election for

remaining 1 year term

The role of Treasurer held by Arthur King, and the two non-executive director roles held

by Chantelle Hodgson and Charlie Chan are not up for election this year The term for

these three positions ends in 2014

CReW RoLeS – deSCRIptIoNS

In addition to the elected Executive positions, there are a number of additional volunteer

roles and responsibilities that are pivotal to the efficient operation of the Club These

“crew” roles are open for appointment each year at the AGM Participation over the past

few years has declined compared to previous years, which means the operations of the

club falls onto the shoulders of just a few

Part of the barrier to volunteering is the new members, in particular, do not have clear

idea of what roles are available and therefore, how they can best help To help inform

what type of role may best suit your skills and availability, a description of each of these

roles in included in Appendix B

If you have any questions or would like to discuss any of these roles further, please feel

free to contact any of the current Directors for more information

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9 hoW to Get INVoLVed? WheRe to tAke AN IdeA?

The club relies upon contributions from people like you You can help make this club

spectacular by doing one of these things:

• renew your membership or become a new member

• nominate yourself for an official directors position

• offer your skills for a committee position

• offer your services to a committee member to assist

• make an improvement suggestion (to the appropriate director)

• put forward your skills, services as ‘available’ for club use

• give a sailing school course voucher to a friend as a present

• introduce a friend to the club to become a BSC member

• bring a friend for a casual sail one day; or just come and talk to us - we’re pretty

friendly, we’ll find the right person for you to speak to

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AppeNdIx A 2012-2013 fINANCIALS

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AppeNdIx B CReW RoLe deSCRIptIoNS

CReW RoLe deSCRIptIoN

Operations Committee

Operations Committee Responsible for the operations of the Club, including

Clubhouse maintenance, food and drink, rubbish

removal, etc

House Captain Duties include: organises weekly cleaning, weekly

rubbish removal, stocking club essentials (toilet paper,

light bulbs, soap, etc ); ensures club facilities are

functional; oversees catering engagements, etc works

with Bar Manager, Building Captain

Bar Manager Club licensee Responsible for bar sales and stocks

Responsible ensuring those serving hold current

Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certifications

Hires additional bar staff when required Works with

House Captain

Trophy Officer Responsible for cleaning Club trophies Also works with

others on Sailing Committee to organise engraving

and plaques for trophy winners

Building Captain Responsible for maintenance of and improvements

to Club infrastructure Organises Club Working Bees

Supported by Building Committee

Building Committee Assists Building Captain

Finance Committee

Treasurer Responsible for Club finances and accounts, including

preparing annual budget and end of year accounts

Finance Committee Assists Treasurer in managing Club accounts

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Racing/Sailing Committee

Racing / Sailing Committee Headed by Vice Commodore; members include Crew

Captain, Yacht Captain, Dinghy Captain, Boatyard

Captain, Safety Officer, Starters, Protest Committee,

Trophy Officer

Yacht Captain Heads up Yacht Fleet; represents yacht interests

on Sailing Committee; includes input into course

development, division structure, handicapping, etc

Dinghy Captain Heads up Dinghy Fleet; represents dinghy interests

on Sailing Committee; includes input into course

development, division structure, handicapping, key

liaison with Sailing School Principal; responsible for

allocating sailing school lasers to recent graduates to

continue sailing training, etc

Crew Captain Helps connect sailors with boats – matching service

between skippers and interested crew; particular role

to help match recent sailing school graduates with

boats

Boatyard Captain Responsible for ensuring yacht tenders, dinghy storage,

sail storage, and others registered and paid for

Oversees maintenance and fuel availability for Club

rubber ducks and responsible for ensuring availability

of licensed rescue boat drivers Responsible for ensuring

rescue boats are registered and insured

Safety Officer Runs Cat 7 accreditation for Club boats Ensures Club

first aid kits are appropriately stocked

Note: Qualifications to issue Cat 7 certificates required

Protest Committee Committee (of 3) to hear and adjudicate over BSC race

protests Requires intimate knowledge of sailing rules

Starters Volunteers to assist with race starters and timers May

assist with entering event results

Regatta Committee

Regatta Chair Oversees and coordinates Balmain Regatta

Coordinator of Regatta Committees

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Regatta Committee Support Regatta Chair in organising the Balmain

Regatta Range of activities – both before and during

the event Includes members who focus on on-the-

water and off-the-water events

Events and Cruising Committee

Events Captain Oversees Club social activities Coordinates members

to organise events Key liaison with Executive Committee

to ensure coordinate calendars

Social Committee Open to members who are interested in helping to

organise Club Social activities, eg Presentation nights,

Christmas party, trivia nights, wine tastings, etc

Cruising Captain(s) Heads up Cruising Committee Oversees coordination

of Cruising activities with rest of sailing calendar

Cruising Committee Open to members who are interested in helping to

organise Club Cruising events

Promotions and Marketing Committee

PR & Marketing Captain(s) Responsible for developing a PR and Marketing for

Club Works closely with Sponsorship Captain Works

closely with Commodore and Vice Commodore (1 or

2 people)

Sponsorship Captain Responsible for managing sponsorship proposals and

ongoing relationships for Club Key role to ensure

sponsors are well recognised at Club events and in

Club communications Works closely PR & Marketing

Captain Works closely with Commodore and Vice

Commodore

Communications and Social Media Committee

Communications Committee Oversees communication strategy for Club Works

closely with Vice Commodore and Race Director, PR

& Marketing Captain, Sponsorship Captain, Social

Captain, Cruising Captain

Communications Captain Coordinates Communications Strategy

News Captain(s) Updates news on the Club’s website and various social

media vehicles (seeking 2 volunteers)

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Balmain Sailing School

Sailing School Principal Responsible for operations of Sailing School

Accountable for School budget Responsibilities include:

hiring and rostering instructors, ensuring availability of

safety boat, renewing accreditation with YA, reviewing

training program, responsible for coordinating meet

and greet for sailing students, works with dinghy captain

to organise further training using School lasers, works

with Crew Captain to help place graduates on other

Club boats, additional training programs like School

Holiday courses, etc

Sailing School Admin Assistant Paid position Assists Sailing School Principal with

administration of School, including taking booking for

students (contact details and payment)

Club administration

Admin Assistant Paid position Provides administrative support for Club,

including book keeping, membership processing, etc

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AppeNdIx C pRopoSed oRGANISAtIoN StRUCtURe foR 2013-2014 CoMMIttee ANd CReW

Finance CommitteeRacing / SailingCommittee

Building Committee

Promotions and MarketingCommittee

Communicationsand Social Media

Committee

OperationsCommittee

Pontoon Project Committee

Balmain Sailing School

Regatta Committee

Special Projects

Commodore Vice-Commodore TreasurerSecretary

Director(2nd year)

Director(1st year)

Director(2nd year)

Director(1st year)

BSC 2013-14 Committee

• House Captain• Bar Captain• Building Captain• Bar Manager• Trophy Officer

• Vice-Commodore• Crew Captain• Yacht Captain• Dinghy Captain• Starters• Boatyard Captain• Protest Committee• Safety Officer

• Promotion Captain• Marketing Captain• Sponsorship Captain• Membership

• Communications Captain• News Captain• Communications

committee

Events& CruisingCommittee

• Events Captain• Cruising Captain

• Building Captain• Building Committee

• Treasury• Finance Committee

• Sailing School Principal

• Sailing School Admin Assistant

• Instructors

• Regatta Chair• Regatta Committee

• Pontoon Manage Committee

• Pontoon Fundraising Committee