Colonel Nat Webber RA took over as the Club’s 32nd Commodore at our annual offshore regatta in September. In a recent Commodore’s introductory letter to nearly 500 members, he outlined his “pride, enthusiasm, and a deep sense of responsibility” in taking on the role. He paid tribute to his predecessor, Colonel Tony Neylan and he set out what he feels makes the Club so unique.
“Our purpose is clear and enduring: to get as many Gunners as possible out on the water, building confidence, seamanship, and leadership, whether through inshore disciplines, offshore racing, or demanding adventurous training expeditions. This is the link that binds us to the Regiment and the place where we deliver our greatest value.”
Challenges and Future Plans
In his letter to members, our new Commodore outlined some of the challenges facing the Club, including the condition and future plans for our two offshore yachts.
“Looking further ahead, we must also address the long-standing question of hull replacement. While much of the conversation has focused on St Barbara, I believe there is real value in considering the future of both yachts together. The aim must be to identify the most opportune moment to sell and replace them in a coordinated way, acquiring complementary hulls that together meet the full spectrum of the Club’s needs, from training and charter to adventurous sailing and racing.”
Annual Members Survey
To help guide future decision-making, we have recently launched a short online questionnaire using Survey Monkey. The link has been shared with members by email and we plan to make it an annual exercise, designed to help us better understand our membership: who you are, how you use the Club, and what you want from it. Each year, it will also explore specific issues, such as yacht replacement or which events and activities we should prioritise. Alongside this, we will run focus groups to engage our more junior members and those representing the future of our Club. Together, this feedback will inform a clear strategy for the years ahead. For more details and how to get a link to complete the survey, please contact the Club Secretary.
