I am pleased to provide my first update to members since being elected as commodore at the annual general meeting.

This year to date has not what we would have expected back in January – March when we were last actively operating as a club. For some it has been a very difficult and possibly tragic time. We must be mindful of this and continue to provide support to those members, families and friends who have been adversely affected. This is a time when the wider club community can both provide and seek support from each other.

Membership fee accounts will be issued shortly with the due date for payment being 1 October. In view of the matters outlined above, the annual membership fees approved at the AGM for the coming season have been discounted on a one-off basis (10% all general memberships, 50% juniors and 15% families). Ancillary charges remain the same as for last season. We are aware that some members may have been further impacted this year so if you are having difficulty in paying your fee account then I encourage you contact the office to discuss arrangements. I am also available if you wish to discuss this directly with me by phone or in person.

At present we are very fortunate to be living in Tasmania, being part of the sport of sailing which so far has not being significantly impacted locally, and members of a club which is in pretty good shape. However, we should be under no illusion with the bigger picture as there will be no international competition for the foreseeable future, interstate competition next season will be problematic and modified activities will be the new norm.

Your committee has been busy with a number of meetings being held since the AGM. The prime focus has been in working on our plans and sub committee structures for the forthcoming season. These will be locked in at the September committee meeting. Our peak body Australian Sailing has been providing solid support to member clubs and assistance with plans for a return to sailing. In this regard the proposed sailing program is being prepared with an optimistic perspective but in the overall context of being Covid-19 safety compliant.

The club program will be posted on the club website as soon as it is available but I am able to advise the following initial key dates:

Shakedown Regatta for keelboats - Friday 18^th to Sunday 20^th September

Opening Day – Sunday October 4th

This coming season will be one when more than ever, volunteering will be at the very core of our existence. I call on all members to look to what you can contribute to club activities, events and support of other members. As always, the reward comes from being involved.

We are through winter and spring is in the air. It is time to get back to sailing, boating and down to at the club again. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on Opening Day if not before.

Greg Rowsell

Commodore