From May 5 to 7, Perth, Western Australia, played host to the 7th biennial Yacht Club Managers Group (YCMG) Forum, a milestone event in the evolution of yacht and motorboat club management across the region. Building on more than a decade of regional collaboration and networking, the Forum brought together 31 senior managers from 25 prestigious yacht clubs across Australia and the Pacific. The result was an engaging, productive, and deeply rewarding experience that reaffirmed the power of shared knowledge, collaboration, and professional connection in the yachting community.
A National Vision, Realised
The YCMG Forum traces its roots back to a bold vision first discussed at the Marinas’11 conference in June 2011. Leaders in the sector recognised the increasing complexity of managing yacht and motorboat clubs, which now require business acumen, operational transparency, and greater accountability. The creation of a national body for general managers and CEOs was seen as the key to navigating this new era. What started as the Australian Yacht and Motorboat Managers Group has since evolved into the Yacht Club Managers Group, an inclusive and now international network.
Forums have been run by yacht club managers for yacht club managers… This year we welcome 31 delegates from 25 clubs, and we also extend a very warm welcome to the Royal Papua Yacht Club. The Forum is your opportunity to learn, share, and build lasting connections. - Craig Evans, CEO of Fremantle Sailing Club
A Dynamic and Diverse Program
Held across six iconic yacht clubs—Royal Perth, South of Perth, Perth Flying Squadron, Swan, Fremantle Sailing Club, and Royal Freshwater Bay—the Forum was a rich tapestry of 11 professional development sessions, club tours, and peer networking.
The participating clubs represent an impressive collective footprint:
- 57,477 members
- 1,633 staff (permanent and casual)
- 8,528 vessels across marinas, moorings, and hardstands
Throughout the three days, the program delved into every facet of club operations—from food and beverage service to training academies, event hosting, marina operations, and staff development.
Thought Leaders and Inspirational Voices
The Forum was elevated by a remarkable lineup of guest speakers who shared insights into leadership, sport, innovation, marketing, and team-building:
- Skip Lissiman, sailing legend and crew member of Australia II, delivered a stirring keynote on building cohesive teams and staying resilient under pressure.
- Ben Callard and Kate Wearn of Australian Sailing addressed strategic alignment and future directions for the sport.
- Matt Jerwood of the Western Australian Institute of Sport explored athlete development and high-performance frameworks.
- Lynda Schenk of Purple Giraffe equipped managers with practical tools in AI to help enhance productivity and streamline routine tasks.
- Gemma Broderick of GBC Systems shared WH&S changes within the Boatyard and Marina areas that all clubs should be aware of.
- Commodore Janet Hornbuckle provided a warm welcome as first club & opening of the 2025 YCMG Forum.
The sessions were balanced by lighter moments too, including a scenic Swan River cruise—skippered by Commodore Jeff Braddock and Vice Commodore John Whitely of the Perth Flying Squadron Yacht Club—that allowed delegates to relax and connect in a stunning natural setting.
Collaboration in Action
Central to the Forum’s success was the spirit of cooperation that underpinned every session and activity. Visits to the host clubs gave attendees the chance to observe different operational models, gather fresh ideas, and compare benchmarks. These peer-to-peer interactions enabled genuine dialogue about challenges, opportunities, and future directions.
Importantly, the Forum was not just about high-level strategy—it was about building a supportive professional community. The informal conversations over shared meals and boat rides were as impactful as the formal presentations, nurturing a network that can be called upon for advice, insight, or simply solidarity.
Sponsors and Supporters
The YCMG Forum would not have been possible without the generous support of its sponsors and partners. Special thanks go to:
- Northstar – Richard Berry, Major Sponsor
- Marina Focus – Alan Barrett
- Business Events Perth
- Purple Giraffe – Lynda Schenk
- GBC Systems – Gemma Broderick and Michelle Healy
- Quality Marine Clothing – Duncan Curnow
Their contributions ensured the Forum was not only informative but also a premium experience for all involved.
Organisational Excellence
Behind the scenes, the Forum’s seamless execution was the result of hard work and dedication from the Fremantle Sailing Club team and key contributors:
- Casey Hyland, Executive Assistant to Craig Evans, for her critical role in coordination
- Richard Hewett and Rick Coate, for their tireless efforts in logistics and planning
Craig Evans extended his heartfelt thanks to all involved, noting: “Bringing this event together is a collective effort. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved and deeply grateful to everyone who contributed—especially our hosts, speakers, and sponsors.”
Looking Ahead
As Forum summaries are circulated and managers return to their home clubs with new ideas and connections, the impact of the 7th YCMG Forum will resonate well beyond its three-day run. From operational improvements to strategic visioning, the knowledge and camaraderie shared in Perth will help clubs serve their members and communities with renewed purpose.
The continued expansion of YCMG—now with international participation—is a testament to the value of collaboration in this sector. As expectations on clubs evolve, forums like this are not just beneficial; they are essential.
A successful gathering of leaders, ideas, and innovation—the 7th YCMG Forum in Perth has set a high bar for the future of yacht club management across the region and beyond.
Showcasing the power of A.I.: ‘Crackles’ (aka Craig Evans), sporting a more youthful hairstyle, appears alongside the ever-charismatic Sir Les Patterson. This creative moment was produced by Richard Hewett, CEO of Sandringham Yacht Club, during the A.I. session.
