Issue date
Visionaries Graham Thow and Des Rouse awarded for efforts in transforming Northcote Birkenhead Yacht Club
A transformation of Northcote Birkenhead Yacht Club’s building is thanks to the vision and dedication of two community-minded men.
Graham Thow and Des Rouse are dual recipients of a Yachting New Zealand Service award for 2016 and have been instrumental in a massive turn-around phase for the Auckland club.
From dwindling membership numbers of less than 20 and a club virtually on the verge of folding, Graham and Des were determined to raise the funds of close to 1.5 million dollars; a feat which has allowed them to coordinate the rebuild over the past five years.
Their vision to create a club room both for yachting purposes and as a significant community asset has meant the facility is now a desirable venue for hire as well as a functional space from which to run sailing programs.
Graham and Des have been tireless in their efforts to ensure the job is carried out to a high standard which has involved installing a modern commercial kitchen, wiring in sound throughout the building, and creating a practical rescue boat and dinghy storage area.
As well as now being able to cover their overheads through venue hire, the club is able to offer junior and adult learn-to-sail programs and run dinghy racing.
Yachting New Zealand thanks Graham and Des for having the determination and drive to see their vision come to fruition, and the very hard yards put in along the way to see small boats sailed on the upper harbor for years to come.
