Farewell to the top job at Cowes Yacht Club

Cowes Yacht Club is preparing to farewell Commodore Tim Modra, as he reaches the end of his three-year tenure in the top job.

A club Commodore (equal to club President or Chairman) can only hold this position for a maximum of three years then it must be handed onto another member.

“I am extremely proud of the last three years, especially the huge growth of the Around French Island National Catamaran Race,” said Tim.

“Going from 10 yachts to now having around 60 is just awesome.”

One of Australia’s toughest sailing endurance races, this year it will run on March 23, the 28th time the race has been held.

Sixty-plus catamarans will compete for over $11,000 in prize money.

“I have done the race myself around five times and trust me when I say it’s very tough,” Tim said.

He thanked naming rights sponsor, Australian Air Safaris for its incredible support, and described the support from the local community as “simply brilliant”.

“We have seen more local businesses coming on each year.

“An example of this is the Isle of Wight Hotel who are a massive supporter of this event and that’s before they have even broken ground which shows how much they care about the community.

“And then we have fantastic support from Bass Coast Shire Council, Westernport Water, the Bendigo Bank, the RSL, Wildlife Coast Cruises, Purple Hen Winery and Red Rocks Golf Course.”

Tim, himself a successful businessman with a world leading carpet sampling machining business, has put his money where his mouth is and jumped on the Around French Island National Catamaran Race as a major sponsor in 2024.

“To see this race grow year after year through the hard work put in by the Cowes Yacht Club team has been amazing.

“Every dollar invested in the race helps to make it better and better for competitors and spectators on the beach.”

Locals

This year, Tim said the club has continued to ensure the event day will be a hit for locals to come along and see the action.

“For us the race takes care of itself with some of the best sailors in the country on the water.

“We want to make sure the locals can get involved so we are adding a coffee truck, food stalls, free sausage sizzle, and give aways from Purple Hen Winery to rounds of golf at Red Rocks Golf Course.”

In coming weeks the Cowes Yacht Club team will also be announcing details on watching the race start from the Wildlife Cruises ferry.

“We hope that the locals turn up on event day in their hundreds for a coffee, some give aways and a free sausage.”

While Tim is sad his run as Commodore is coming to an end, he maintains the club is in good hands.

“I am not going anywhere and will still be as active as possible at the club, but our members are amazing and such a passionate bunch of people.

“I have no doubt the club and the Around French Island Race will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Cowes Yacht Club encourages the public to put a note in their diary of the event day as there will be an active program of public engagement. Further details will be provided in the week before the event of these exciting initiatives.  Mark the date now, March 23.

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