Annual General Meeting Recap
Thank you to all members who attended the AGM on Sunday 27th July. We needed 36 members for a quorum, and we had around 55 members in attendance. Before the meeting begun, we heard from guest speaker Captain Mike Hanson, who is the Managing Director of Port Phillip Sea Pilots. Mike shared a few eye opening stories of his time at PPSP, and was able to advise our skippers of how to maintain safe passage whilst sharing the bay.
Next, Commodore Tony Christmas gave his report on the clubs success's over the last 12 months, followed by the reports from all other flag bearers. In all, the meeting went well and as there were no flag bearers up for re-election, it was onto nominating and accepting Executive Committee General Members Fiona Lowe and Neil Whitaker for their continuing roles on committee.
At the conclusion of the meeting the Executive Committee were presented with a proposal for a new Life Member, which had come through via Peter Chipperfield. Rick Potter was proposed and unanimously voted as our newest Life Member. Below is a copy of the letter from Peter Chipperfield, which is well worth a read. He sure did nail it. Congratulation Rick, you are a worthy recipient of this title.
Hi to all esteemed members of the Executive Committee.
I am writing this letter to correct an extreme travesty of justice in that one of our most deserving members; ie, Rick Potter, has not been elevated to Life Membership status.
As most of you would know, Rick has been a member in his own right since the Club's founding year 1967, when as a young boy, he was deposited on the beach with a cut lunch and a burning desire to be asked out for a sail. He quickly became proficient and by age 16 won the Sparrow State title, (in his own words, "I peaked early").
Rick's commitment to SBSC was such that he even maintained his full membership whilst living overseas for several years, and upon returning home was straight back into club management, becoming Sail Training Principal for five years, teaching his own daughters to sail as well as many others.
He also took on many committee roles, culminating in a term as Commodore. During this time, the Club suffered a downturn (not Rick's fault), and was in dire need of funds. Rick made interest free loans to the Club and bequeathed sizable donations in his family's name.
Rick has also been instrumental in rewriting the Constitution twice, has been a major player in many club projects, including the recent solar panel installation . Long-time members would easily remember other instances of Rick's selfless input to our Club's success.
After nearly sixty years in the Club, Rick is still a top end sailor and is more than happy to mentor any sailors, senior and junior alike, that can benefit from his vast experience. He is often the first person to put his hand out to welcome new members, introduce them around and point them in the right direction, (generally upstairs to the bar).
He and his good wife, Audrey are constant supporters of all club functions and are a delight to see cutting the rug on the dance floor with Stocksy and Linda, putting the rest of us to shame.
In conclusion, Rick is not just a Statesman for Safety Beach Sailing Club, he is a true gentleman in every sense and rightly deserves the honor of Life Membership.
Thank you for considering this nomination.
Yours sincerely,
Peter Chipperfield
Rick and his lovely wife Audrey
Rick and Peter Chipperfield
Volunteers Needed
As highlighted at the AGM, we have a few gaps that need filling within sub committees this season. These roles are all very crucial to the success of the club. Some of these roles have been vacant for more than a season and it is very difficult to run a community club without the help of our members. If you have ever considered volunteering, we would love to chat to you. Please email our secretary Veronica on
The area's that need some help are;
- Yard Master
- Sponsorships & Marketing
- Sail Peninsula 2026 Committee
- Social Committee
- House Committee
Open Day for Season 2025/2026
Hanging for the summer season to start? Invites for Membership renewal have been sent last week, so the countdown is on, with only 11 weeks to go! Open Day will be on Sunday 12th October. Both fleets OTB & Keelboats will be back on the water and ready for action. It will be here before we know it, so pay your fee's, prep & clean your boats, and start getting yourself sailing fit.
ORCV
We've included courses and races to provide an inclusive and progressive path into offshore sailing—from short coastal sprints to long-distance challenges.
Our Winter and Safety Courses (Radio, Foredeck Essentials, Sail Change, Safety & Sea Survival) are still open to new participants. This is a series of online and in-person training courses designed to help both new and experienced sailors. Whether you’re preparing for offshore sailing or want to upskill your crew, we have something for everyone.
In October, the Melbourne to Devonport (The Rudder Cup) will kick off, as this race is a qualifying event for the upcoming Melbourne to Hobart and Sydney to Hobart. This is Australia's oldest ocean race, which is part of the ORCV Offshore Championship, and is also open to fully crewed, 4+ autohelm, double-handed, and multihull yachts.
In December, the most anticipated and challenging yacht race from Melbourne to Hobart (Westcoaster) is taking place. The race holds significant importance within the ORCV's Offshore Championship, being the highest-ranking race in the series. The race is open to yachts that are fully crewed, 4+ autohelm, double-handed, and multihulls.
Full calendar of events can be found here: www.orcv.org.au/calendar
Community Benefits Card
Who are you currently supporting with your Community Benefits Card? We invite you to change over or start supporting the sailing club, as every little cent counts. Nominate us today, and show your support.
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