The Rhumb Line #8 – The Last Hurrah!
9th March 2022

This will be the last Rhumb Line, from me at least, and a shorter note than previously. My year as Commodore, Part Deux, is coming to an end and I hope to see those that can, join us at the AGM on March 28th. I stepped in for 12 months to help provide some continuity, and it’s been challenging for all of us for obvious reasons. I am thrilled to say that we’ve all come through this, more or less unscathed, the club is strong and there’s a new team raring to go to take us on the next part of RHADC’s journey.
 
The COVID Pandemic has severely retarded our growth, we are 12 months behind on developing our RS21 sailing program, and I regret we’ve been unable to complete the clubhouse renovations as planned. It’s been tough managing our finances and expenditure through this period, and I commend our General Manager for a steady hand. I am hopeful that, as our activities return and with improving weather, we can revisit a number of on-hold initiatives.  We do have a busy year coming up with both the Annapolis to Bermuda Race, hosted by RHADC, and quickly followed by the Newport Bermuda Race, where we will be hosting visiting yachts. Keep your eyes on the newsletter for details of events.
 
That said, the 2022 keelboat schedule has just been published and, with a growing junior and adult program unhindered by COVID regulations, we are slowly getting back on track. Of note, the adult “learn to race” program is growing and demand for RS21 sailing is also growing. I’m confident that we can quickly get back to normal operation after the constant interruptions. Our Juniors continue to be a credit to themselves, parents, our coaches and our Club. At the recent Optimist “trials”, both Ethan Thompson and Miguel Power qualified to represent Bermuda at the Optimist World Championships. Perhaps as important or more importantly, is the next group of youngsters who performed very well and are “knocking on the door”. There’s an exciting “vibe” in the program that is critical to the life of our Club.

As mentioned in prior missives, we continue to work on our 5-year strategic plan for sailing and hope to publish it this Spring, although much progress is already being made in building our pathways and high-performance program.
 
At this time of year, volunteers roll off committees, and new volunteers step up to make their contribution. I’d like to thank all for their work and effort in helping to make RHADC a club of which we can all be proud. In particular, I’d like to acknowledge Colin James (Treasurer) and Paul Wollmann (Chairman of the Committee of Management) who are stepping down this cycle. Both have served for 7 years have made a massive contribution to RHADC and we owe them both a huge debt of gratitude. All volunteers have careers, families and a life away from RHADC, that so many give up their time is commendable.
 
As we approach the AGM, I’d like to thank all the members who have supported me this past 12 months. John Nicholls and his team bring a fresh perspective and new ideas, and I expect members to continue to support them with the same enthusiasm.
 
And finally, Wendy. Wendy is the glue that holds all of this together, writes letters, takes minutes, reminds us of meetings, liaises with Government, organises all of our documentation, keeps us all on the straight and narrow. I don’t think it’s fully understood just how central she is to the smooth running of RHADC. I cannot thank her enough.

Fair winds,

Neil Redburn
Commodore