Friday, 22nd September 2023
Life Membership
Congratulations SYC Life Member Bruce Eddington.
To be bestowed Life Membership of Sandringham Yacht Club is the highest honour in our Club. It recognises enormous dedication, passion and contribution to our Club, normally over a long and extended period. After decades of service and dedication to his beloved SYC, Bruce Eddington was recently awarded Life Membership by Commodore Sue Bowes at the recent Annual General Meeting on 19 September 2023.
Tireless involvement though committee and leadership play an enormous role in making SYC the Club we all enjoy and Bruce’s commitment has been integral to the life of our Club for several decades.
From a leadership perspective, during his 10 years on General Committee, Bruce undertook the roles of Club Captain Off the Beach, Rear Commodore, Vice Commodore and he ultimately served as Commodore from 2006-2008. Whilst his official roles may have ceased, Bruce has never stopped being involved and assisting the Club move forward. He continues to share his experience and expertise with the Club as we improve, transform and keep evolving.
With his background in the building industry and willingness to share his technical knowledge over the past 25 years, Bruce has been instrumental in the development of most of our key facilities. Updating the Off the Beach facilities, dredging matters, modernisation of the fuel system and construction of the Ken King Centre. Bruce was also heavily involved in Facilities Master Plan – Stage 1 which included the new boat yard, travel lift and concessions building.
Bruce then stepped up his involvement over an intense six year period. He was central to the Club delivering the second stage of our Facilities Master Plan which delivered the new clubhouse, car park and sail lockers. Bruce’s time and effort was akin to a second full-time job. He chaired the FMP2 main and technical committees and generally speaking, guided the ship. The clubhouse we all enjoy and share, is largely due to Bruce’s involvement. In 2023 he continues to assist with the new developments.
On the water, his stellar sailing career began in his mid-teens competing in Kitty Kats, Lightweight Sharpies and 14’ Skiffs. During 2004-2010, Bruce’s Australian and overseas campaign in the Mumm 30 class was highly successful, winning national championships in five consecutive years, competing at two Route Des Iles Regattas in France (5th 2006), winning the Key West Regatta in America, competing in two World Championships and also winning the North American championship in 2008. Bruce is very humble, but quietly proud of his sailing achievements and he was always proud to represent our wonderful Club.
On behalf of all members we thank Bruce and congratulate him on this prestigious and highly deserved accolade.
