Coffs Harbour Yacht Club is set to enter a new phase, with a renewed focus on growing sailing and other water-based activities for the community.
City of Coffs Harbour has endorsed the club’s new direction and will continue to work with the organisation as operations at the Marina Drive facility are realigned.
“The club’s pivot to concentrate on growing its community support ushers in a new chapter for a facility that has become something of an institution for locals and visitors,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.
Under revised arrangements, the club’s board will use the ground-floor facilities and surrounding open space to prioritise community sailing.
The change follows the withdrawal of a prospective investor from an exploratory process.
“The City, which is the appointed Crown Land manager for the site, will take on responsibility for the first floor of the building and any commercial opportunities stemming from that, including hospitality options,” Business Services Director Steve Bayliss said.
“Any profits generated from the facility will be utilised in maintaining the reserves.”
Yacht Club Commodore John Wait said the new direction was expected to strengthen the club’s leadership base.
“The City has been very supportive of the club in actively seeking a funding partner to redevelop the site. Unfortunately, we have not been successful in gaining a final proposal.” he said.
“We believe we’ll get heightened interest from the community to join the club’s board as it’s freed from the commercial operations of running a bar and restaurant,
“The club can now confidently move forward to focus on growing competitive ocean sailing and regattas and recreational sailing, which has always been at our heart.
“Additionally, we’ll be able to continue to manage smaller commercial opportunities from that ground floor and surrounds space, such as food vans.”
Williams thanked the club’s board for its work during the transition following the cessation of bar and restaurant operations on 30 March.
“The club has a proud past and place in the story of Coffs Harbour and we congratulate the board on its decision to move toward a sustainable and successful future.”
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