Update from the Commodore

September 22nd 2022

Dear Fellow Members,

I’ve really enjoyed the first six months serving as Club Commodore, working with a great General Committee, other members, and a hardworking staff team. We’ve managed to start to tackle some of the issues raised post COVID and some others that I felt had lingered for far too long.

The Section Committees have all been working hard to provide some great on and off the water activities over the summer and coming winter months. Special thanks to Martin Greenfield for pushing the Rowing, we now have a fantastic four-man Celtic Longboat on loan at a great price thanks to Robin Hamilton. I also want to make special mention to Jane Gosnell, who once again has put together a great CYC Ramblers programme for this winter.

There have been three main areas that I have been working on, outside my normal Commodore duties, and wish to continue to improve over the next 6 months.

The first being the modernisation of club systems to improve efficiency, increase resilience and reduce costs. Most of these changes have been behind the scenes, including work on club IT infrastructure and databases. The changes will help the management team monitor staffing, improve ordering, stock control, and lower the cost of club purchases, or to at least help mitigate food purchase cost increases. We are also changing the club members database to the Intelligent Sport system to make it compatible with the current till and members card system.

The second area that we have been in the process of making changes is the Restaurant and Bar. When I came into post, I found that there were significant issues around the management of our bar and restaurant. With the assistance of a specialist industry consultant, we are now recruiting a Food and Beverage Manager who will bring additional knowledge to the club, I’m pleased to say this has the support of the existing team. I have also been working with the team to help ensure we have the right equipment, training and rewards for the staff who work hard every day to make the club what it is. Whilst there have been significant changes things have settled somewhat, and there should be more consistency, better service and an even greater food and drink choices moving forwards!

The third area that I have really started to get my teeth into is Accessibility and Diversity. With 40% of us suffering from some sort of disability or impairment. After spending an hour or two in a wheelchair exploring the club and its grounds, speaking with various people from around the club and the RYA, I’ve realised that some improvements are needed. Some simple yet effective modifications are in the pipeline. Special thanks to Pauline Cox for the insight and the chair!

I also have plenty to do during this Winter, firstly General Committee, the Section Committees and I will be looking at the next three-year club Strategy, which is due to be in place for March 2023. We’ll be giving Members plenty of opportunities to get involved so keep an eye open for that. We’re also looking at the installation of Solar Panels to help mitigate increased energy prices and improve our environmental footprint, and we’ll be negotiating with Premier regarding their proposed car park charging scheme.

The club has significant challenges facing it from many directions, not least the economy and inflation, but also environmental issues, car parking, staff recruitment and more. I’m sure that with your support we can continue to make improvements to the club and it’s offering, whilst ensuring it is financially and environmentally sustainable. As always, I welcome your views, and I’m happy to speak with you about issues anytime, even at the bar!

Simon Benson,
Commodore,
Chichester Yacht Club