New Commodore for RYCT
The Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania has a new Commodore, with Clive Simpson moving up to be senior Flag Officer of one of Australia's oldest yacht clubs, founded in 1880. 
'Clive Simpson, newly elected Commodore of the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania'
Peter Campbell ©
"I believe I have been elected because of my business and management expertise, rather than my sailing skills," Commodore Simpson said, adding that he owned "a small motor boat" but did enjoy twilight racing on fellow members' yachts, including the Farr 40 War Games.
"My immediate role is to re-establish stability in this wonderful club, with its superb site on the banks of the Derwent," he said. "We have three new Flag Officers, a new CEO, a relatively new Sailing Manager and a new Chef, so there is plenty of hard work ahead for all of us."
He has been joined by Murray Jones as Vice Commodore and Bruce Craw as Rear Commodore and a strong Board that includes three Past Commodores, immediate Past Commodore Alastair Douglas, Marion Cooper and Robert 'Biddy' Badenach.
Recently appointed CEO is Martin Robinson, while Nick Corkhill took over as Sailing Manager earlier this year.
"I'm a Hobart boy born and bred and look forward to leading the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania into a strong position financially, in management, in services to members and in conducting great yachting and boating events," added Commodore Simpson, the father of three sons.
A member of the RYCT for ten years, he has been on the Board for two years, including the past year as Rear Commodore before being elected unopposed as Commodore last week.
Newly elected Vice Commodore Murray Jones is a prominent youth and team racing coach who has coached Australian Team Racing squad at the World Championships three times. Earlier this year Yachting Australia honoured him with the Volunteer of the Year Award for his dedication to all areas of sailing.
New Rear Commodore Bruce Craw is a long time member of the RYCT, an enthusiastic sailor who was very prominent in Rainbows and lightweight Sharpie sailing in his younger days.
New CEO Martin Robinson has joined the club with an extensive background of financial management in Sydney and overseas while Sailing Manager Nick Corkill comes from a prominent Hobart sailing family and his own expertise in the sport.
by Peter Campbell
Melville, WA
