New blood is needed at the helm of the Guernsey Boat Owners Association.

Nick Guillemette has agreed to stay on for one final year as President, having previously decided he would be bowing out at the end of 2025 after 10 years in the post.

He has warned that if a replacement isn’t found over the next 12 months the GBA will have to fold.

Speaking at the recent AGM he told members that their numbers have recently swelled but some of them need to take on committee roles.

“At our last AGM I stressed that we would be running a campaign to encourage more boat owners to join our Association,” he explained. “We have produced and distributed flyers around the harbours, marinas and in selected chandleries/outlets advertising the advantages of being a member of the GBA. This has resulted in over 90 new membership applications which proves we must be doing something right.

“For £30 p.a., our members certainly get value for money!,” he aded.

Despite the surge in new members recently, Mr Guillemette said there seems to be reluctance to take on committee roles, which puts the entire GBA at risk;

“It was my intention to retire as your President at this AGM after 10 years at the helm but to date I have been unable to find anyone keen enough or available to succeed me,” he said.

“I have decided to stand for re-election once more for one final year only during which time someone has to come forward to fill my role.

“Several of my Committee colleagues are also wishing to retire at the end of 2026 to make way for younger members to take over the reins from us old codgers. We need new blood, new enthusiasm and energy if we are to survive. This is a wake-up call, my friends!

“If none of you are interested in carrying on representing your local boating interests or raising your concerns with the authorities, the GBA will cease to function.

“Sadly, that’s after over 100 years of fighting your corner. Just take a minute to look at our history page on our GBA website and remind yourselves of our past successes.”

Mr Guillemette offered his thanks to his GBA Committee, and especially Bob Benstead, who he said was retiring after 40+ years of service to the local boat owners community.

He asked for anyone who is interested to join the committee to contact him to discuss the options available.