New commodore for Royal Natal Yacht Club

THE Royal Natal Yacht Club held its 155th Annual General Meeting last week where the oldest club in Africa elected a new crew to helm the esteemed establishment for the 2013 / 2014 sailing season.

‘Captaining’ the club, Graham Rose from Umhlanga was honoured with the post of Commodore. With the nickname of “Speedy”, Rose is a long-standing member and a well-respected sailor who helms the L34 yacht Zap. Rose takes up the role after a successful sailing season with his young crew.

An enthusiastic Rose commented on his nomination: “I am honoured by my new role in the Durban sailing community! It is indeed a privilege to be selected as a Commodore, and even more so of a royal club that is steeped in history. I look forward to the challenge of growing the sport in South Africa and continue the great work that our former commodore, Richard Crockett has done. We have an exciting calendar this season that should keep our sailors busy.”

No stranger to club commitments, Keith Brodie who has been serving on the general committee for the last two years, has been elected as the Vice-Commodore, supporting Rose. An active member, Brodie skippers the boat Ivanhoe and is a regular competitor on the waters.

Rob Samways from Westville takes on the role of Rear Commodore and will be in charge of all the on-the-water activities and events. Samways sails in both the keel-boat regattas and the dinghy races so is well versed in the bigger and smaller boats.

Forming the remainder of the General Committee are former Vice-Commodore John Bandfield and Jeremy Kriek both serving two years. Serving on the committee for one year are Warren Clark, Steve Cawdron and Stuart Ritchie.