Page 5 - Yachter Spring 2023

FROM THE BRIDGE
The Yachter is the Royal Southampton Yacht Club’s most enduring publication. When I first joined the Club it was published quarterly, and at A4 size it was larger than the current version you are holding in your hands right now. Whilst its physical dimensions were greater it had fewer pages. In fact, it was deliberately limited to 26 pages, and contained 75% editorial and 25% advertising. Looking back at recent editions one notices that not only has the number of pages increased but the ratio of editorial vs advertising has moved in favour of editorial.This evolution strives to deliver a far more informative and interesting publication and one that we believe you would wish to receive. I am sure this edition will deliver exactly that.
Putting The Yachter together requires dedication of time and energy, and the occasional chasing e-mail to gather elusive copy. In addition, liaising with the publishers to ensure deadlines are met and proofs are supplied and circulated is fundamental to producing this smart magazine. For the
last few years this task has been diligently undertaken by Natalie Hamilton, and she has produced for us a publication that we can be very proud of. However, there is an opportunity for someone else to take on this task as Natalie has decided now is the time to pass on the baton. I am sure you will all join me in thanking Natalie for her sterling work and dedication over the years and a job extremely well done. So, if you would like to be our next editor, please do let me know.
Writing this missive in January, as I look through my window at the dull winter
weather, I am reminded that by the time you read this it will be spring and new shoots will be appearing all around us. New shoots bring new life, and with new life there are new opportunities. Just like The Yachter, we saw many changes at the Club last year, and those changes also brought with them their own set of challenges, but more importantly new opportunities. Our task is to grasp those opportunities and turn them into positive evolutions for the betterment of the Club and you the members.The recent surveys
we have asked you to engage with are the foundations for doing exactly that and I thank each of you who has taken the time to respond to them.
During January a number of volunteers dedicated their time to giving Gins a face- lift.They have managed to achieve what can only be described as gilding the lily! Gins is
now an even more attractive place to visit for a drink, a meal, or maybe just to sit and enjoy the unrivalled view of the Solent.We have even added a private dining area where you can hold your own small exclusive function for those special occasions. I offer my sincere thanks to all those who rolled up their sleeves to help.
There is a packed calendar of events for the year ahead giving you even more reasons to race or cruise with us, or to simply enjoy being at the Club. 2023 has every reason
to be a wonderful year, and with your continued support the Club will thrive and grow.
Raising a glass to you!
Robin Funnell Commodore
FROM THE BRXIXDXGXE 5