2017-2018 Abbotsford 12ft Flying Squadron Annual Report and Balance Sheet

President’s Report
It has been another busy year at Abbotsford, and as we conclude our
first working bee this winter, I am trying to write this report. The club
thrives with the enthusiasm and the commitment of the members, despite
continued outside pressures. Personally, I missed half a season, because
we were overseas, but it is great to come back to see that the club is still
doing well.
Our collaboration with the Port Neptune Sea Scouts has developed
into a mature relationship, and both sides clearly benefit from racing and
working together. The Scouts are a keen group of sailors bringing diversity
to our fleet and community. I hope that you will continue to make them
feel at home at our club.
It was another competitive season, with several interesting races, but
also such enormous growth in the sailing ability of many of our juniors,
and the sea scouts. In the end, our club’s juniors are the sailors of the
future and this therefore remains a key focus area.
As some of our members will be moving to new challenges in sailing,
life, or to different places in Australia, new members from our Social
Sailing and our junior Learn to Sail programs will always be welcome
and nurtured. We are here to help you with advice on boats, sailing and
options. Please do not hesitate to ask questions.
The completion of the new bottom section of the ramp was a major
project this year, and while it was a significant drain on the club’s finances,
we now have a stable launching platform, hopefully for the next decade and
more. Many club members invested significant volunteer time in making
this project happen, and in name of all other club members, I would like
to once again thank them for that effort.
Similarly, because members invested time in writing and submitting
grants proposals, we are able to buy a new support duck (to replace the
old console duck) for the next season, which will extend our options for
the junior support. Again, I want to thank the members for putting in their
free time to help the club.
A thank you to all the past and present members for all their efforts
and donations: the social and canteen committee, starters and finishers, the
runabout crews and all those people doing little odds and ends around the
club. It is great to see past members or their families (such as the Hubbards
at Presentation Night) continue to come back to the club.
The Abbotsford ferry wharf redevelopment is also being completed
and should be back to normal when our new season starts. Overall it
looks like the change in design will have limited additional impact on
our operation.
The future of our club and the structure, shape, location and
community of our club remains an area of significant focus. It is important
to continue having discussions (both inside and outside the club) of what
our future might look like. Discussions about an Abbotsford Aquatic Club
(that broadens our base to include more types of water sport) are still
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