The Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RGYC) has achieved a 4 Gold Anchor rating as part of Marina Industries Association’s (MIA) global rating scheme, recognising recent facility and service investments.
RGYC plays an integral role in the community, providing facilities to members and boaters, including sporting activities and water access for locals.
In late 2020, RGYC was named Australian Sailing’s Club of the Year, providing further indication of the Club’s commitment to provide a world class marine facility and sporting club.
RGYC has a clear vision for its future, having developed a Masterplan to guide its investment over the next decade. This includes the completion of the 440m wave attenuator, Wangim Walk, which provides protection to the RGYC marina and allows the public to ‘walk on water’.
A joint initiative between the Federal, State and Local Governments as well as RGYC, Wangim Walk is among the longest public on water walkways in the country and is now one of Geelong’s most treasured community assets.
Last Thursday, RGYC was presented with a 4 Gold Anchor rating by MIA President Andrew Chapman, Vice President John Spragg and Director Stefan Borzecki.
In presenting the award, Mr Chapman said, “the MIA applauds the investment of the various governments and RGYC in this wonderful community asset which is a great outcome for the members of RGYC, the local community and the boating public.”
“The MIA is proud to present 4 Gold Anchors to RGYC as it signals to the boating community the Club’s commitment to the facilities and levels of service that the Club will offer its members and customers.”
On hand to accept the award was RGYC Commodore Stuart Dickson, who said he was very proud to accept this award on behalf of RGYC members.
“It is wonderful recognition of our recent investments and great to know that our future investments will continue to be recognised in this way,” Commodore Dickson said.
“The protection Wangim Walk affords the marina means we can now confidently continue with the marina upgrades and replace the old, fixed jetties with floating pontoons.”
RGYC General Manager, Phil Clohesy was also on site and explained the name meaning of Wangim Walk.
“Wangim Walk is named after its shape, with Wangim meaning ‘boomerang’ in the Wadawurrung language.”
“It is great to be able to recognise the indigenous heritage of the area in this way,” he said.
About the Marina Industries Association (MIA)
The MIA is the peak body representing the interests of club, recreational and commercial marinas, boatyards and industry suppliers in Australia & the wider Asia-Pacific region. Working closely with other marina associations around the world, the MIA works in support of developing sustainable marina industries through the delivery of strong leadership, industry guidance, education, accreditation and research.