Royal Southern YC elect first lady Commodore for 10 years
by Peta Stuart-Hunt 30 Nov 2016 18:50 GMT
26 November 2016
(l-r) Robert Vose, Karen Henderson-Williams, Graham Nixon & John Rutherford © Phil Riley
At Saturday's Royal Southern Yacht Club AGM (26th November), the following Flag Officers were elected:
- Commodore - Karen Henderson-Williams
- Vice Commodore - Graham Nixon
- Rear Commodore Sailing - Robert Vose
- Rear Commodore House - John Rutherford
Follows an excerpt from the speech given by the newly elected Commodore, Karen Henderson-Williams to members:
"I would like to thank you for electing me as your new Commodore. It is a great honour and privilege and I will do my very best to represent all the members in the year ahead. I was particularly delighted to be proposed for this role by our first Lady Commodore, Mrs Annette Newton, and seconded by the leader of Youth, Dr Mark Tomson. I am following Annette as the Club's second female Commodore, ten years on from Annette's tenure. It is a milestone for yacht clubs to have female Flag officers even in the present day and I am pleased to have been chosen to take on that role.
"Looking forward as your Commodore, I intend to be open and transparent and I am confident I will be fully supported by the team around me, as well as my husband David, who has continued to support me throughout my time as a member and a Flag.
Most importantly, members must enjoy our club, enjoy supporting our staff and enjoy volunteering. Sometimes it is hard work and volunteers will only do this if we bring back the fun side of the role.
"The sailing programme for next year is very full and exciting and I am sure will offer members and guests a full year of activities that will promote our Club on the water and ashore and give enjoyment for all of us.
"We must ensure the Club continues to thrive and build its reputation for the future generation. I will do my utmost to help that happen. I strongly believe in our Club and I wish it to be a happy Club that runs events for all sections and is inclusive for all members, whatever interests you have.
"I look forward to supporting all areas of the Club whether it be racing, race management, cruising, motor boating, Splash, Academy, the sub-committees and the good work of our Ladies Committee. Our special thanks go to the Ladies Committee for all their hard work raising money for their chosen charities and for the funds they have raised for the Club. I will do my best to support you all."
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