RPAYC Announces New Commodore at AGM

by Damian Devine on 23 Jul 2011 The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club held its 144th Annual General Meeting last Thursday 21 July. Members farewelled Commodore Russell Murphy as he retired his position at the completion of a successful three year tenure. Recognition and appreciation of the exceptional efforts required by a Commodore were bestowed by immediate past Commodore Angus Gordon (2005-2008) and incoming Commodore Robert Curtis, previously Vice Commodore.

There was one Director's position up for election on the Board to fill the vacancy left by Commodore Murphy conducted between Jill Connell and Chris Grant. Jill Connell was elected Director and in doing so became the first female Director of the RPAYC in its 144 year history. Director Ian Audsley moves into the position of Vice Commodore whilst Eoin Asker remains Chairman.

The elected officers for the RPAYC Board are Commodore Rob Curtis, Vice Commodore Ian Audsley, Chairman Eoin Asker and Directors Fred Bidwell, Jill Connell and Brian Gray.

A number of new faces filled the Rear Commodore's (RC) positions vacated by Pru Bennett (Centreboard), Jill Connell (Membership) and David Pring (Activities) following the completion of their terms. 21 year old Full Intermediate Cameron Edwards steps up to RC Centreboard whilst Peter McAdie, a past Vice Commodore Cruising moves into the position of RC Membership with Maurice Gilet filling the shoes left by David Pring as the new RC Activities. Rear Commodore Yacht Racing Allen Stormon and Rear Commodore Cruising Maurice Byrnes continue in their positions. One member was also recognised as a 50 Year Member, Sir John Cumming who now resides in Cooroy, Queensland.

The RPAYC AGM is also the forum for the announcement of Clubmanship of the Year Award, an award introduced by Commodore Angus Gordon (2005-2008) in 2007 for outstanding voluntary commitment and contribution to the Club. Peter Bennett was awarded Clubmanship of the Year 2011, for his outstanding contribution to centreboard sailing and specifically for heading up the co-ordination team for the 2011 International Optimist Nationals, one of the largest Optimist regattas staged in Australia, with over 170 competitors hosted by the RPAYC in January. Previous winners include Kevin Smith (2007), Jack Gale (2008), Col Pratt (2009), Bruce Staples (2010).

Incoming RPAYC Commodore, Rob Curtis has been sailing all his life on Pittwater having grown up in Mona Vale and has been a member of the RPAYC for the past seven years. Curtis is co-owner of 'Secret Men's Business' a Murray 42 with Ross Trembath and Doug Snedden and also co- owns a Melges 24 'Matilda'.

Curtis is a keen sailor and in the five years he has had 'Secret Men's Business' has travelled around 15,000 nautical miles, he estimates. This includes three Hobarts, two Pittwater to Coffs, four Southports, CYCA's Flinders Island, Bird Island (winning one) and Cabbage Tree Island races, two Sail Port Stephens (including winning the Commodores Cup), two Hammo Race Weeks, one Airlie Race Week, one Coffs to Southport, one Sail Paradise and of course most Saturdays during summer and winter (over 350 sailing days) as well as Twilight racing on Pittwater through the RPAYC. They were awarded RPAYC's boat of the year in 2009. In the Melges 24 'Matilda', Curtis and his team scored a creditable fourth position is the Australian Titles sailed in January this year off the Palm Beach Circle.

Becoming the 48th RPAYC Commodore, Rob Curtis said, ' I look forward to continuing the excellent work done by Commodore Murphy. The club has seen extensive review of membership categories and maintaining current members and attracting new members remains a strong focus for the club. You will see many initiatives in the months to come that aim at providing increased benefits to members.'