Southport Yacht Club elects Rob Mundle as Commodore

28-Jul-2010
Prominent sailor, journalist and author, Rob Mundle, has been elected unopposed as Commodore of Southport Yacht Club, on the Gold Coast.

After serving two terms with the club’s Board of Directors he now replaces Neale Hollier in the top post. Neale served four years as Commodore and an additional five years on club committees. On standing down at what was the club’s 63rd Annual General Meeting he was nominated for Life Membership.

Rob Mundle thanked Neale Hollier for his outstanding contribution to the club, especially when it came to the solid foundation he developed for members in recent years. He was responsible for the impressive renovations to the clubhouse, modifications which have contributed greatly to the growing wave of success the club has enjoyed in recent years. He also supported the club’s junior sailing program.

‘Thanks to the Neale’s efforts Southport Yacht Club is enjoying the benefits that come from an enthusiastic and satisfied membership,’ Rob Mundle said. ‘The club has a wonderful history: it is an integral part of the Gold Coast, and we intend keeping it that way through direct involvement with the community. The club also holds the deserved reputation for being one of the friendliest on the east coast, and I’m looking forward to seeing that tradition continue. ’

Having lived most of his life in Sydney, Rob moved to the Gold Coast eight years ago and became actively involved with Southport Yacht Club soon after. He has been a member of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Sydney for more than 30 years. He was responsible for the introduction of the Laser and J/24 sailboat classes to Australia; been a television and newspaper reporter for seven America’s Cups, four Olympics and more than 30 Sydney-Hobart races; and he has been the author of 10 books, including the international bestseller, Fatal Storm. He is also the only Australian member of the America’s Cup Hall of Fame Selection Committee.

All positions for the SYC board were unopposed. Noel Thompson continued as Chairman, Ian Hall as Vice-Commodore Power and Daniel Cadman as Treasurer. Offshore yachtsman Matt Percy was named Vice-Commodore Sail, and the two new Board members were Peter Lahey and Justin Sinnamon. Chris Oxenford continued as a Director, while retiring Board member Tony Goldner, a Past Commodore, was also nominated for Life Membership.

Rob Mundle thanked all retiring Board members, including Vice-Commodore Sail Guy Obren, for the considerable effort they had made towards the club’s continued growth. He added that he was looking forward to working with the new Board so the club could continue to deliver benefits to its entire membership and the community.

For more information:
www.southportyachtclub.com.au