Albury Wodonga Yacht Club

Our Secret to Membership Growth

YV Clubs ConferenceAugust 2013

Formula for success

If only it was that easy! It takes a lot of very hard work.

𝑺𝒖𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔=𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑠 (𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑡𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑒 )42

AgendaBackgroundWhen is a Plan not a Plan – having a pathwayLeadership and GovernancePromoting the clubTraining & Member DevelopmentSocial interaction and club Amenity

Where to now?Key Learnings

Photos of club

The NumbersClub formed in 1958Currently 242 active members

By State Vic 62% NSW38%

By Gender Female 44% Male56%

By Age group Adult 71% Youth29%

By Membership type

Racing 35%Non Racing & Social

65%

Growth Profile

2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-130

50

100

150

200

250

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Comparison of Memberships vs Lake Level

Mem

bers

hip

Num

bers

Lake

Lev

el [%

]

Cha-Ching!

2007-08

2008-09

2009-10

2010-11

2011-12

2012-13

$0

$20,000

$40,000

$60,000

$80,000

$100,000

$120,000

GalleyTrainingFees & general income

When is a Plan not a Plan?2006-09 drought – club was strugglingGood support from YV at the time2010-11 the planets aligned

Lake level increasedFamilies with kids and complementary experiences

joined and were motivated to be involvedTraining was presented as an opportunityA path to success became evidentCommittee had confidence in the people but no

plan

Don’t underestimate the value of a clear pathway

Leadership and Governance

Selling the ClubHow can we capture new members?How to engage in community activities

Wodonga Children’s FairDiscover Sailing Day

Social MediaGood relationships with Local Govt.Engage with other sporting clubsBe relevant in the community

Training – kids are the key2010-11 started with good intentions

and no idea. The potential was there.Significant commitment by club and

members before 2011-12

2012-13 120 enrolments19 joined as new members (mostly

kids)Plus another 23 family members

Most of our membership growth has been a result of training involvement

Member DevelopmentTraining other than sailing

Power Boat Handling1st AidVHF RadioRace Officer

SailabilitySignificant junior involvementProvides a different opportunity

for member involvement

Social and AmenitiesNot everyone wants to sailWeekly social eventsEngaging with other sporting

groupsMembers must like being at the club

Bean bagsWood fired Pizza OvenCamping facilitiesPlaygroundWell maintained grass areaGalley –real coffee, quality food,

good pricing

Where are we at?We have a good product that people want.

Good membership growth (half way there)Support from Local GovernmentGood relationship with YV and YANow able to invest in improvements for growthRestructured committee with functional focusJunior membership continues to growWeekend racing fleet is growing

40% of committee positions now held by womenActive social sailing members

Where to now?Invest in assets – club house, boats, etcEngage with schools sailingClub boats for new members to useExpand the use of clubContinue membership growth (aim for

400 members)Get an annual event on the sailing

calendar

Long term strategic planDevelop a sustainable business planWhere to after Gemba??

Lessons and LearningsIf it is free it has no value!Gemba and the pathway is a recipe for

successAct now while the opportunity is there

Costs and revenue must balance (in the long term)

Its not just about sailing and racing – diversify activity

Aim for balance – age, gender, interests

It takes commitment and hard work but it’s worth it.

Questions??

Stuart RichardsonAWYC Secretary

0409 386 516awyc.secretary@gmail.com