ERIENCE - Sandringham Yacht Club

SYC STRATEGIC PLANSIMPLY PUT, THE VISION OF SYC ISTO BE THE LEADER IN THE SPORT OFYACHTING AND BOATING –“TO BE THE CLUB OF CHOICE.”Assisting SYC to achieve this vision is the Planning andDevelopment Committee. This sub-committee is charged,in consultation with Richard Hewett and his managementteam, to develop and manage the Club’s strategic planningprocess and to routinely advise the General Committee onthe achievement of the Club’s objectives and on matters ofstrategic importance. An important element of this planningprocess is the development and reporting on SYC’sStrategic Plan.As some background, SYC’s Planning and DevelopmentCommittee is currently comprised of the Commodore SteveRichards, Vice Commodore Chris Carlile, Rear CommodoreKate Mitchell, Mark Welsh, Wolf Brennfleck (co-optedmember) and myself as Chairman.The current SYC Strategic Plan was developed over a longperiod of time and after extensive feedback from a widerange of stakeholders. General Committee held a numberof sessions with key people including management, staffand representatives of various club committees such asOff the Beach (OTB), Sail, Recreational Boating and Social.Additionally other members were invited to participate. Inputfrom these stakeholders was diverse and valued.Based on this feedback the Planning and DevelopmentCommittee developed a draft Strategic Plan forpresentation, comment and subsequent adoption byGeneral Committee. The plan in its current format was firstratified in 2008. The plan on an ongoing basis is ratifiedannually by General Committee as a standing item on theannual agenda to ensure its ongoing relevance. The currentversion is titled 2010.The adoption of the Strategic Plan in 2010 coincided withthe then recent completion of our new $13m clubhouse andthe “step-change” in membership, operational and activitygrowth. An underlying theme of the Strategic Plan was toincrease member participation in all aspects of club life andactivities and consequently achieve higher utilisation of clubfacilities. This premise not only enhances SYC’s financialposition but creates a vibrant life at the Club all year round.The Strategic Plan and its implementation are regularlyreported upon at either our Ordinary General Meetingor Annual General Meeting in March and Septemberrespectively each year.As an overview, the Strategic Plan describes the fundamentalvision of SYC to “be the leading yacht and boating clubin Victoria.” To achieve this vision the Club considers thatthere are six cornerstone objectives that it needs to realise.Some of these objectives are ambitious and far reachinghowever your General Committee is determined to describea clear path forward for the Club. Importantly all major clubdecisions, such as capital investment in equipment or boats,are considered in light of the Strategic Plan thereby creating afiscal and operational discipline.The six objectives of the SYC Strategic Plan 2010 andnotable achievements since its adoption are:1. Membership: By 2013 the Club will makemeasurable progress in achieving its desiredmembership age and profile- Membership up by 20%- Research on membership profile and interests- Introduction of popular Young Member Nights2. On Water: Organise, promote & support highquality racing, cruising & recreational boatingevents so that within 3 years - 80% ofboats regularly participate- SYC Centenary Regatta 2011 and beyond- Strong J24 growth- Boating Department Review3. Clubhouse: Develop the dining & function roombusinesses to achieve annual targets whilstensuring that members do not feel disenfranchisedby these activities- Restaurant theme nights- Leverage Centenary Year events- Major promotions of restaurant & function rooms4. Marina: By 2013 make measurable progress inachieving the desired profile of boats occupyingmarina and hardstand- Member Participation Scheme implemented(for rental pens, hardstand and lockers) with firstreview underway5. Off the Beach: Provide, promote and support OTBfacilities & activities so that within 3 years, 300members (15%) are involved (400 members within5 years)- Opti Sponsorship – adopt a boat- OTB redevelopment completed- Major input into Boating Review6. Sandy Harbour: Progressing an agreed frameworkwith Parks Victoria for the development ofSandringham harbour- Initial meetings with Parks Victoria and HSC andworking through issues – long term, steadyprogressClub management is aided by a consistent Strategic Planthat can be adjusted and fine-tuned as circumstanceswarrant, much along the well versed racing analogy of“strategy and tactics.” To that end, the Planning Committeehas scheduled its next planning day to consider all aspectsof the Strategic Plan in May 2012. Should any member wishto contribute or make comment to this review then pleasecontact the Planning and Development Committee orperhaps make comment at SYC’s Ordinary General Meetingon 20 March 2012 (and collect 1 point for your MPS too).Good sailing, fishing or just gazing over the bay!Luke ReinehrChairman - SYC Planning and DevelopmentCommittee38Summer 2011 | syc off the wind