2000 - Present: The Millennium
In 2000 the Commodore initiated a Millenium Project which firstly created the walkways and patio in the garden area and then the major development of the Sloop and east end of the club buildings. Part of the pressure behind what became known as Club Development Phase Stage 1(CDP1) was the fact that the whole area used by the Dinghy Section was in a poor state a leaking roof, rising damp in the changing rooms and multiple levels in the flooring.
During CDP1 the whole of the east end of the Club was demolished with the office moved to a Portakabin on the garden patio. This also meant that the Dinghy Section ran their winter Snowflake Series in a couple of large tents but the show went on regardless!
CDP1 comprising the new Sloop, Changing Rooms and Office areas were all officially opened by the John Davis OBE the Harbour Master in June 2006
There was a requirement by the Planning Department for CDP Stage 1 that the rebuilt Sloop and East End should also include a first floor with gables to mirror the Marina Lock house even though the club had at that stage insufficient funds at that time to complete the interior. However it was soon realised that the vacant and unfinished upper floor offered great opportunities and according to one team CDP team member a million pound view over the water so that funds had to be found to complete the job. Hence CDP Stage 2 was launched with a fund raising appeal and levy to the membership.
The result was that the final stage was officially opened in July 2009 by Rod Carr the Chief Executive of the RYA. The Upper Deck has since that time hosted numerous meetings, lectures, training sessions for Club members together with events, dinner parties, weddings and wakes for both members and external guests all of which make a positive contribution to Club funds and enable Club subscriptions to be contained.
2020 -2022: The National Pandemic
At the start of 2020 all indications were that we were looking towards a very successful year. The membership was increasing, our Club Training Courses were filling up and our external events bookings were the best we had ever had.
However, rumours were growing of a possible new virus spreading throughout the population in China. These rumours proved to be correct and the virus started to spread around the world, including the UK.
The contagion was so virulent, that on 20th March 2020, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, made the decision to lockdown the UK.
So for the first time in our history, the Club had to close its doors to our members. The marina road to the Club was shut and the Harbour Master had banned any form of boating in the harbour.
The Commodore initiated the Clubs Major Incident Protocol and established a Major Incident Committee, consisting of the Club Officers and key members of staff, to take over the day-to-day operations of the Club and to try and keep up with the ever changing government regulations and guidance to businesses.
The Club became a virtual club overnight. We learnt a new term to Zoom. The sections remained in communication with each other organising social evenings, on-line dinner parties, quiz nights and even virtual on-line racing.
The Club remained closed to members until 4th July, when we were allowed to let members into the Club again, albeit under strict government guidelines. The priority was to clearly protect members and staff alike. There was a one-way system in operation, the restaurant tables had to be socially distant, perspex screens were erected to protect both Club members and members of staff and table service was introduced in the bar and restaurant.
The Chancellor, Rushi Sunak, introduced a eat out to help out scheme which encouraged members to return to the Club. Club training could re-start under strict rules and members could sail again, but only with family members.
However the virus continued to mutate and on 26th December 2020, once again the Club was in lock down conditions. However this time the harbour remained open, so sailing was permitted and the Club started to operate a takeaway service from the Club.
With the rollout of the new Covid vaccine, the Club was able to reopen in April 2021 for Garden Service only and as further restrictions were lifted in May, the Club could start to return to some degree of normality.
Throughout the whole Covid crisis, with the loyalty of our members and dedicated hard work of our staff, the Club continued to be viable and the service to members remained high. A special mention should be given to the members of the Major Incident Committee, who spent many long hours behind the scenes ensuring the Club remained viable and a safe and protected environment for members and staff alike.
The financial position of the Club after Covid was such that we were able to purchase two new pontoons for the Dinghy Park.
2022 - Rowing at CYC
The Club has always been open to change. During the early years of the 21st century, there was an upsurge in smaller crafts using the water. Canoeing grew in popularity, together with Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP) and even model boat racing.
Around the harbour, a number of other sailing clubs were exploring the new growing sport of gig rowing. Itchenor, Bosham and Dell Quay were early adopters. It was only a matter of time before CYC joined in.
Rowing is the most recent organised activity at the Club - In May 2022 the Club acquired a Celtic Long Boat Cygnet having previously had a Gig on loan as a trial from the Cornish Pilot Gig Association. There are today around 80 members in the Rowing Section with a core who participate in regattas and competitions in fact our ladies and combined crews won 4 trophies from races against the 8 Celtic Long Boats in the 3 nearby harbours in 2023-2024!
Rowing in the Harbour
Successful Rowing Team
Last updated 13:05 on 19 December 2024
