Dear Members,

Just a brief word of thanks as we come to the end of this year’s sailing season. This year has presented un precedented challenges to the running of the Club and sailing in general. No one could have guessed last March what disruption was ahead of us as we were preparing for the launch of the 2020 season and readying our club for the international spotlight of the GP14 World championships.

You won’t be surprised to learn that out of the depths of such disruption and uncertainty SSC as a group far exceeded the norm and rallied to hold our club together through this though season. The levels of commitment, flexibility, teamwork and positive attitude soared this year making us all proud to be members. Although it would not be correct to single out any one group for the success of this season, I would outline three main columns of support which galvanised with a common purpose.

The number of volunteers who enthusiastically engaged in all aspects of the running of the club is truly staggering. The number one priority this year was to ensure the safety of our members, friends and staff while executing on a huge list of activities. Teams engaged in Covid 19 Compliance, Equipment maintenance, Building update, Catering, Operational management, Sailing organisation and many other tasks which were hugely more complicated under the Covid 19 guidelines. Those of you who enjoyed the limited socialising this season in our refurbished interior have experienced a tase of things to come.

Your Senior and Junior committee members rose to the challenge driving the season forward with great innovation, many hours spent on virtual meeting calls and coordinating volunteer groups keeping the Club as active and vibrant as possible.

Finally, the main column of support without which none of the above could succeed is you the members. Your support by sailing when possible, attending social functions where possible, and direct financial support through payment of membership fees is literally keeping this club afloat.  We are deeply grateful to those members who have patronised through additional contributions in support of our key improvement projects.

Like every small business our Club has been severely restricted in the running of revenue generating events this year which normally assists in the financial burden. With the continued support of you the members we will emerge from this difficult period and return to the vibrant club which we always have been.

I look forward to seeing you all enjoy the 2021 sailing season, socialising in our refurbished interior and renewing your belief that SSC is a great club and community to be a member of.

Keep Safe and Keep Well

Liam O’Callaghan, Commodore.