Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron Yachting Victoria 2014 Club of the Year

by Peter Davey on 25 Jun 2014 After a particularly hectic and successful season, RMYS was rewarded as the Yacht Club of the Year at the Yachting Victoria 2014 Awards night, held on Friday 20th June.

A crowd of over 350 was in attendance when the announcement was made, with Ian Cunningham, Yachting Victoria Vice President, praising the Squadron for its success in membership growth and retention, its involvement with the local community, strong gender diversity and successful completion of a major infrastructure project. RMYS was one of seven clubs shortlisted for this prestigious honour.

In accepting the award RMYS Commodore Linda Goldsmith spoke of the Squadron’s success in Junior development, particularly in Green Fleet sailing, the success of the Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta, which has just held its 24th event, and, after 14 years of planning and development, the successful completion of a new 250 berth floating marina.

Ms Goldsmith was ecstatic with the win: 'This is a fitting tribute to a club which, although 138 years old, continues to work hard to stay at the forefront of the sport. The award is also recognition of our strong band of volunteers, particularly those members who have put in years of hard work to make our brilliant new marina a reality, and to those members who have supported the project with both funds and patience'.

The Squadron’s night didn't end there, winning the Association Cup Vice President’s Award, Jurgen Pfeiffer and Take Five' winning the Vice President’s Trophy as top performing yacht, and Stuart Tait, who was nominated for Special Services to Yachting.