Australian Hobies El Presidente's Report: The "Hobie Way of Life" has never looked so good!
by Cam Weddell 30 Aug 2022 21:43 PDT
The “Hobie Way of Life” © Brad Sissins
As most of us are coming out of hibernation across Australia, and the Hobie 16 Worlds only weeks away, I thought it'd be a good time for a quick President's Report! Plenty has been happening over the last 8 months since the 2022 sailing season kicked off in Jervis Bay, so it's about time I give you all an update on the year so far.
Firstly, the ANHCA had an AGM earlier in the year which saw a reshuffle of the committee. Phil Epps from WA has stepped down as President and Pete Skewes also stepped down from the Secretary role. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank them both for all the work they've done over many years on the ANHCA committee. Both of these guys have given so much time and effort in supporting the Australian Hobie Class, steering the ship through some tricky times. When you see them around at regattas, please thank them and I'm sure they'd be receptive to a drink!
As a lot of you will know, I was elected President to replace Phil, whilst Naomi has stepped into the role as Secretary to replace Pete. I've been on the Hobie scene for about 20 years, starting out on a Hobie 18 before quickly moving to a 16. Naomi got involved in the Hobie scene in the late 90's and has put together an impressive CV over that time. Both of us have a history of committee involvement at state level, holding various positions over the last couple of decades. Naomi and I have been sailing together for the last 5 years, and whilst I'm probably responsible for the capsizes (see below), Nomes holds everything together!
The committee meeting also saw a new position created which focuses on the public face of the ANHCA, specialising in online + media content. I'm sure it's of no surprise that the Jervis Bay rockstar Paddy Butler has taken up that post! Paddy brings an immense amount of energy to the ANHCA, Hobie regattas and online platforms. Lastly, James Rhodes has continued on as treasurer having held the position for a number of years. Jimmy keeps an eagle eye on the ledger but has decided to hang up the boots at the end of the year. I'd like to say thanks to Jimmy for keeping us in the black and we'll be electing a new treasurer at the AGM held during the 50th Hobie Nationals.
Worlds! They are upon us again and in a couple of weeks, we'll have a red hot Australian fleet heading over to Spain. Always an exciting time for the Hobie community, the worlds are the pinnacle of our sport. A massive thanks to Suzzi from WA for organising the team gear keeping everyone looking sharp! The event is huge, with many different divisions competing over the span of two weeks, culminating with the Open fleet. Australia has a rich history at the worlds. With two ex-world champs attending and plenty of teams who feature in the top 10, Team Australia has a high chance of cleaning up. It's a very exciting time for everyone heading over, and from the ANHCA, we hope the lifts be plentiful and the knocks scarce!
Lastly, aside from a number of State Championships happening this year, our big one is the 50th Nationals Championships, taking place in Jervis Bay, NSW at the end of the year. As one of the best places to sail in Australia, the 50th Nationals will include two series of non-stop action. A few DNS's have held us back over the last couple of years, but it's shaping up to be an incredible event. The team at Vincentia have been putting in a mammoth effort to make it an event not to be missed.
That's it from me for now. Again, best of luck to our sailors competing in Spain and I hope to see you all at the 50th Hobie Nationals! Those of you that don't know myself or the ANHCA committee, please feel free to yell out and say g'day. Alternatively, also feel free to let Nomes and I through on port...
Campbell Weddell
ANHCA President