Kerry Noyes is the current Commodore of the Southport Yacht Club, and is the first female commodore in the Club’s history. She moved to the Gold Coast from Sydney in 1978, and joined the Club 22 years ago after deciding to transition from ski racing. Prior to SYC, she was an active member of the Queensland Water Ski Racing Association, and spent a number of years as hostess/deckhand for local cruise companies. She has been the Secretary of the Nacra Catamaran Association of Australian Inc. and the Queensland Nacra Association for the last six years.
Here is a snapshot of her thoughts on the Club and boating in general.
What are the major challenges you face as Commodore of SYC?
One challenge is moving forward and building on the great work achieved by Past Commodore Phil Short in bringing all divisions of the club together as one.
The greater challenge is to continue to lobby governments, local and state, to ensure the Broadwater and surrounds are managed to ensure all watersport participants have quality areas to utilise.
How does the Southport Yacht Club participate in the community?
Southport Yacht Club runs a number of community events throughout the year, including hosting the Gold Coast Waterways Authority’s public forum at our Hollywell and Main Beach Clubhouses.
We regularly run a number of courses in conjunction with Yachting Queensland throughout the year, and provide pathways for youth and adults interested in sailing to join the sport.
The SYC continually offer members and the public quality programs, facilitated by leaders in the industry, such as Yachting Queensland, Australian Sailing, and community groups, such as Air Sea Rescue.
Your aspirations for the Club and the boating community?
- We will continue to build on our youth and young adult membership base, and ensure the Club remains relevant to our younger members.
- We must ensure that the general public have access to pristine waterways as the Gold Coast population continues to grow.
- There should be consultations between power, sail and commercial users, and continued mutual respect in the use of the waterways
- Boat owners should continue to support and buy from local business within the marine industry. Without support, we will lose some of our industry.
Your thoughts on the future of boating on the Gold Coast?
I believe the Broadwater is an asset that is not being currently used to its full potential. There is potential for significant public value in dredging the southern part of the Broadwater fully, creating a stadium area to be used not only for events but also as a large open space for all to use. It is imperative, with this as with any other project, to ensure that the biodiversity areas on and around Wave Break Island and the Seaway are maintained. I also believe the “Deep Hole” area of the Broadwater requires some serious maintenance to return it to what it was – a deep hole.
You are an advocate for?
I am actively involved in training programs, from fun sailing right up to elite youth level. Through our company, we sponsor boats for children to lease on a yearly basis once they are out of the junior level. We are currently starting a youth program with a view to developing local talent towards the youth Olympics/ISAF World Championships in the Nacra 15 class.
Your favourite boating activity?
I enjoy all forms of boating, but my passion is catamaran racing. I love catamaran racing on the Broadwater – very challenging and exhilarating! I own a Nacra 5.8 and compete in SYC events and Nacra events Australia-wide. I try to sail at least weekly. I also own a Nacra 4.5, and sponsor two Nacra 15’s for the ISAF Youth Worlds.
My partner and I enjoy relaxing weekends at the SYC Dux Retreat when we can spare the time.
Interview with Roselle Tenefrancia
(Feb-Apr2017)
