Members of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia elected Past Commodore John Messenger a Life Member at the club’s Annual General Meeting on July 15.

The honour, bestowed at the CYCA clubhouse, climaxes a lifetime association with the site in Rushcutters Bay, for it was here he began life above his father’s waterfront marine business, his family living over the now long gone boatshed.

A club member since 1982, John Messenger has played a key role in the CYCA’s development over the past two decades, serving on many committees before joining the Board and becoming a Flag Officer and, ultimately, Commodore in 2002 and 2003.

Over that quarter of a century “Messo” has also been an active ocean racing yachtsman, in demand as a helmsman on many notable maxi yachts.  He currently owns a Sydney 38.

Immediate Past Commodore Geoff Lavis, who proposed the Life Membership, told fellow members at the AGM ”John is perhaps one of our most well known and well liked members,  a member since 1982 and ultimately rising to the position of Commodore.”

He recalled that for a period of five months, while also Commodore, John had stood in as CEO of the CYCA.  “Any Commodore will realise the huge amount of effort that John put in during that time, on top of his normal Commodore functions and maintaining an active employed life,” Past Commodore Lavis said.

Geoff Lavis stressed that the main reason for proposing John Messenger for Life Membership was in recognition for the untiring role he had played during the redevelopment of the marina, including planning of the new marina and the complex demolition of the old and installation of the new marina arms.

“His role continued with development of D arm and indeed it continues today with John being continually called on for his knowledge and expertise in the marine area, particularly marinas.”

Members at the AGM unanimously elected John Messenger as a Life Member by acclamation, with Commodore Matt Allen presenting him with a Life Member’s burgee. – Peter Campbell