#hyc – Howth Yacht Club's new Commodore is Breda Dillon, the first female Commodore in the 117 year history of the North Dublin Club.
Breda has been an active committee member and Flag Officer of the club for many years.
Club members attended their AGM in Howth last night in big numbers to vote for their incoming committee as well as a review of subscription levels which were radically adjusted to allow for the difficult times that all clubs are facing.
The annual subscription for categories of Ordinary (€720), Cadet (€125) and Family Membership (€1000) have all been significantly reduced while the club intends to further reduce the main Ordinary Membership subscription level to circa €500 over the coming years.
Incoming Vice Commodore Brian Turvey explained "Our aim is to increase value for all members by adjusting fees to affordable levels whilst continuing to provide the high quality and intensive level of activities and excellent facilities that is synonymous with our club. Our new phased subscription levels allows Cadet members 'step up' into full Ordinary membership more easily than ever before." At last nights AGM, Commodore Breda Dillon thanked the members for supporting the radical steps, particularly the Senior members whose fees will increase in by €90 per annum from next year. Howth Yacht Club's sailing schedule for 2013 will include the use of the ISA's Sailfleet J80s for events sich as the Keelboat Team Racing Nationals and the ISA Senior Helmsman's Championships. The eight boats will also be used by younger club members for club racing and training.
HYC's major event in 2013 will be the BMW J24 World Championships to be held in Howth in August.