Wicklow Sailing Annual General Meeting 27th November 2009
Wicklow Sailing Club held its AGM in the Clubhouse on Friday 27th November to probably the largest attendance in its 59 year history.
President Fred Drew delivered a tough opening address. Despite his previous reservations, he had changed his mind after seeing the outcome of the Club Survey and had nothing but the highest of praise for the Commodore and outgoing Committee for the great job done often in difficult circumstances in 2009.
In his report on the year gone out, Commodore Charlie Kavanagh outlined the achievements and contributions of those involved during the year. Top priority had been the state of club finances – new structures were put in place to help manage and monitor all matters of a financial nature by both John Hughes and Hal Fitzgerald. On the House side, Gerry Nolan was very thorough and attentive to his task, helping to oversee staffing, security, catering as well as working with Derek Stewart and Kevin Desmond to renovate the Round Ireland room. We also two 1sts – the club hosted wedding receptions for the Murphy and Desmond families. Frank Murphy got the place hopping with a busy schedule of entertainment events, ably assisted by a host of members running quizzes, dinners, musical nights, birthday, cheese and wine, Turkish bazaar with belly dancing parties and more.
On the sailing side, the club probably had its busiest year ever thanks to the revitalisation of the dinghy section by David Ryan and his team of helpers. The Cruiser section and events were run by David O Gorman and his band of young followers, with Sean Flood delivering yet again with a successful Junior Training programme. Other highlights were the Wicklow Waterfront Users Open Day in May, the Junior Art Competition, the East Coast Cruiser and Dinghy regattas in August. Sponsors East Coast FM and Yacht Agencies of Ireland were thanked.
Peter Shearer oversaw the compilation of a Club Development Plan, later passed by the AGM, John Kirwan drew up from scratch a new Health and Safety policy and we elected quadriplegic sailor, Hilary Lister as an Honorary Member in June. Also, special mention was made of the work put in by Honorary Secretary, Christiana Norton in a difficult year. Top honour of the year went to younger member Jason Moran for his valuable contribution to many areas of the club, a deserving winner of the Danny Cleary Memorial Trophy, for Club Person of the Year.
Round Ireland Organiser, Dennis Noonan, taking charge of his 7th race, outlined the position regarding the 2010 race, still without a sponsor, saying that early enquiries were positive, with possibly 16 new boats likely to enter for the 1st Sunday start on 20th June. As this is the 30th Anniversary of the 1st race, he urged all members to pull together and get behind the committee to make the event a success. Wicklow Town Forum are likely to run a Festival to coincide with the Race.
Matters financial were presented by acting Honorary Treasurer Hal Fitzgerald who had good news for the members in that most of the problems from the previous regime had now been rectified, resulting in a major improvement in the outturn of the accounts. He stressed that we must remain vigilant and continue to monitor all aspects of our income and expenditure.
Motions up for discussion involved voting procedures, Child Protection Policy, membership fees among other matters. The Club will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2010 and is hoped that plenty of events will be undertaken to mark the occasion. The Commodore closed the meeting by asking all members to put their differences behind them and row in fully behind the club for what will be an exciting and challenging year.
Election of Committee for 2010 season – President Fred Drew, Commodore – Charlie Kavanagh, Vice Commodore – Peter Shearer, Acting Rear Commodore Sail – Gerald Haughton, Acting Rear-Commodore House – Gerry Nolan, Honorary Treasurer – Hal Fitzgerald, Honorary Secretary – Christiana Norton, General Committee – John Kirwan, Ray Mc Keon, Derek Stewart, David Ryan, John Johnson, Orlagh Phelan, Jason Moran and Conor Haughton.