Royal Geelong Yacht Club unveiled as Regional Club of the Year

THE Royal Geelong Yacht Club is enjoying some smooth sailing after being named Regional Club of the Year for 2019/20.

The award was bestowed to the Yacht Club on November 22 by Community Clubs Victoria on the back of one of the club’s most challenging periods in its 161-year history.

“Being awarded Regional Club of the Year is a wonderful tribute to all members, staff, stakeholders, partners and volunteers who drive and support our many diverse and community focused activities,” club commodore Stuart Dickson said.

“I am extremely proud of the club’s achievements, particularly through the disrupted and challenging periods experienced in 2019/20.”

RGYC has had a busy year in terms of success, with several awards being won over the past 12 months.

In 2020, RGYC was named the Australian Sailing Club of the Year in recognition of its biggest sailing season in the club’s history, strong community engagement and inclusive programs, as well as the Australian Sailing Sport Promotion Award, for effectively promoting the sport of sailing.

During the 2019/20 sailing season, RGYC hosted large calibre events, including the World Championships, along with seven other major events (six completed, one cancelled due to COVID-19).

RGYC also continues its commitment to the local community in exposing the sport of sailing to underrepresented demographics.

The club is heavily involved in supporting underrepresented groups with programs such as “Sailability”, Vision Impaired Sailing, “She Sails” and the St Ayles Skiff migrant boat building and rowing program.

RGYC also partners with local schools to offer sailing experiences with RGYC’s qualified instructors, as well as a partnering with Newcomb Secondary College and their PTech program. RGYC also entered a Sustainability Partnership with local Torquay company, Joco Cups.

In the wake of the decision to cancel the 2019 Australia Day Fireworks display out of respect for the bushfire victims and Australia’s volunteer firefighters, RGYC donated $10,000 to kickstart a Bushfire Appeal which was then conducted, in partnership with Geelong Connected Communities, during the event.

In total, $41,555.80 has been raised and donated to the Salvation Army’s National Bushfire Appeal thanks to the RGYC.

“My word it’s great to have things like our Friday night members’ nights back and what keeps our club going is our volunteers,” Mr Dickson.

“Our membership base has remained consistent, it has even gone up a bit, and with the members being able to pay their fees on time, it has kept us going from a financial point of view.”

Clubs like RGYC utilise the services of Community Clubs Victoria in the form of accessing their weekly newsletter, utilising their advice to improve operations, seeking advice directly with CCV staff and constantly seeking human resource advice.

Head to ccv.net.au for more information.