Itchenor Sailing Club elects new Commodore
by Rachel Soothill 1 Nov 2014 15:14 GMT
1 November 2014
Itchenor Sailing Club has elected long-standing club member Charles Hyatt as their new Commodore. He will take over from Andrew Dunlop, who has been Commodore of the club for the last five years.
Charles comments: "I am honoured to have been asked and excited about the opportunities ahead for our club. Since first sailing at Itchenor in 1984, the club has seen many changes but never I think has it looked in such good shape, with a fantastic sailing program, strong membership, well-maintained buildings and boats, financial soundness and excellent quality staff. I very much look forward to building on this for the future."
Charles first joined the club 30 years ago and in that time he has sailed everything from International 14's and Swallows to RS200's and K6's. Sailing has taken Charles all over the world and has seen him take part in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and Rolex Fastnet Race. He has also sailed Hobie 16's as a member of the Hong Kong Hobie Club and enjoyed many family sailing holidays over the years in cruising yachts. In 2011 and 2012 he completed his Yachtmaster Offshore and Ocean qualifications.
As well as his considerable sailing background, Charles has had a great deal of experience working in engineering, finance and project management; skills that will be well utilised in his position as Commodore. Since retiring in 2009, Charles has plenty of time and energy to put into the new role and is taking it on with gusto.
He comments: "I have listened carefully to the ideas and feedback people have given me over the last few months and would like to do everything possible to get even more people on the water and to grow our membership. It would be brilliant to be able to buck the trend of declining membership at sailing clubs generally and I look forward to taking on the challenge."
Already a well-known figure at the sailing club, Charles has been behind the successful running of Schools Week for the past two years, helping to grow the week into one of the key junior sailing events in Chichester Harbour - 99 RS Fevas, 420s and Fireflies were entered in this year's regatta.
Itchenor Sailing Club, with its rich sailing heritage and history of sporting excellence, is delighted with their choice of Commodore. The committee are confident that Charles will achieve his ambitions, drawing more members to the club with its varied programme of sailing events and all tide racing.
To find out more please visit www.itchenorsc.co.uk or contact the office on 01243 512400 or at