At the sixty fourth Annual General Meeting of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia held on Tuesday 15 July 2008, members of the CYCA board for 2008/09 were declared. As a result of the vacancy left by retiring directors, Rod Skellett and Graeme Wood, two new board members were declared – Geoff Bonus and John Markos.

Matt Allen was declared Commodore for a second year.

Garry Linacre continues as Vice Commodore and two new Rear Commodores were declared – John Cameron and Howard Piggott, who replace Michael Cranitch and Alan Green who remain as Directors of the board.

Treasurer Paul Billingham, and fellow Directors Richard Cawse and Geoff Cropley also retained their postions on the board.

Commodore Matt Allen welcomed Geoff Bonus and John Markos as new members of the CYCA Board. “It is with great pleasure I welcome Geoff Bonus and John Markos to the CYCA board. Not only are both gentlemen active participants in our sailing events, they both bring with them specialised skills which will benefit the CYCA through the next twelve months and beyond. Geoff being the Managing Director of Bonus and Associates Architects, and owner of Sydney 38 Calibre will contribute significantly as we navigate our way through plans to bring better efficiencies to our site. John being the managing partner of Hicksons Lawyers and co owner of Sydney 36 Eye Appeal will contribute to the more strategic requirements of the club.”

“I wish to thank Rod Skellett and Graeme Wood for their contributions to the Board. Rod has been a board member for over 11 years, and as his role as Chairman of the Archives Committee saw the successful completion and launch of ‘From Ratbags to Respectability’, the book on the history of the CYCA. Graeme has been involved with the CYCA for a number of years serving on the Training and Development Committee and has served on the board for one year. I thank him for the business acumen he has demonstrated over the year and his passion for the sport, particularly his encouragement of youth to become more involved in ocean yacht racing. ,” said Commodore Matt Allen.

Commodore Allen went onto say “ I would like to thank all members of 2008/9 Board of Directors in advance for the dedication and time it takes to fulfill the responsibilities of being a member of the board and look forward to another productive year serving the members of the club”.