4:28 AM Thu 22 Apr 2010 GMT
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'The main dining room at the Southport Yacht Club, one of the Queensland Gold Coast's most popular dining locations.'
Bob Wonders
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After eight-years as general manager of the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, Haydyn Jones has embarked on a new course as CEO of the Southport Yacht Club on the Queensland Gold Coast.
He has already won approval from influential members, with long-term club identity Tony Goldner, stating 'we're delighted to have him aboard.'
Johns officially joined the club on March 29; still a home owner in Brisbane, he was commuting initially, but has now rented an apartment only a short walk form the club and will look at buying a property in the next few months. He has described his new role as 'a new lease on life.'
Johns is responsible for staff that comprises about 80 personnel (including part-time workers) and a 320-berth marina. He has already met with the club board and met the various Commodores and other club officials.
'I'll be attending board meetings on a regular basis and I see myself as something of a conduit between the board and the club's members,' he explained.
The club boasts strong sail and power groups within and Johns hopes to bring them closer together.
'I'm looking at a combined event involving both groups, I think bringing them closer together will be beneficial to the club,' he said.
He is also looking at the prospect of joint promotions between the Southport Yacht Club and his previous employer, the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS).
Another ambition he would like to establish is an east coast keel boat regatta involving Sydney's Cruising Yacht Club's Sydney-Southport race and the RQYS Brisbane to Keppel race.
'All of this does not overlook the importance or the popularity of our Coffs Harbour to Southport race, which remains a prominent event on our calendar,' he added.
Johns also intends to maintain what he termed the 'grass roots', meaning the dinghy and sail training facility the club owns at nearby Hollywell.
'I really believe this is where our keel boat sailors come from,' he says.
The Southport Yacht Club has emerged in recent years as one of the Gold Coast's prime dining establishments.
It recently underwent expansion and updating and now offers an outstanding restaurant, bar facilities, meeting and function rooms.
'This is a very relaxed club and it's hard to imagine a finer place for lunch or dinner than right here on our deck overlooking the marina,' he said.
And I have no intention of arguing that!
The club is open for lunch and diner seven days and for a leisurely breakfast every weekend.
Its marina, also recently expanded, can handle everything from superyachts to dinghies and has a first rate fuel wharf with diesel, unleaded and premium unleaded available.
It will shortly offer fuel service 24-7.
'As I said, this is a very relaxed club, but that does not detract from its efficiency and I intend to make the most of that for the sake of our members and their guests,' he said.
'I described my arrival here as a new lease on life and I can't think of a better way to express my delight in becoming CEO of the Southport Yacht Club,' he added.
For further information contact the Southport Yacht Club, telephone (07) 5591-3500 or visit the website,
www.southportyachtclub.com.au
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Weekend breakfast on the deck - a grand way to start the day at the Southport Yacht Club on the Queensland Gold Coast. - Bob Wonders
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by Bob Wonders
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Sailing
