Committee & Staff
The Whitsunday Sailing Club is your club – governed by an elected committee and run by volunteers and paid staff.
Terry Archer
Terry is a long-time local who operated a very successful mortgage brokerage for 20 years, until 2023. He now focuses on managing land subdivisions and property development. With extensive experience in business management and construction administration, Terry brings a strategic vision for the future development of the club and its facilities. An active sailor, he competes in both twilight and weekend racing and is a multiple-division winner of the Airlie Beach Race Week. He has also completed numerous coastal ocean races, including the Sydney to Hobart. A former Off-Beach Commodore, Terry now supports the management team in achieving the club's strategic goals for 2032.Currently serving his third term as President and with 15 years on the board, his focus is on mentoring and developing the next generation of board members.
Terry Archer
Terry is a long-time local who operated a very successful mortgage brokerage for 20 years, until 2023. He now focuses on managing land subdivisions and property development.
With extensive experience in business management and construction administration, Terry brings a strategic vision for the future development of the club and its facilities.
An active sailor, he competes in both twilight and weekend racing and is a multiple-division winner of the Airlie Beach Race Week. He has also completed numerous coastal ocean races, including the Sydney to Hobart.
A former Off-Beach Commodore, Terry now supports the management team in achieving the club's strategic goals for 2032.
Currently serving his third term as President and with 15 years on the board, his focus is on mentoring and developing the next generation of board members.
Steve Watson
Steve is an accomplished tourism and hospitality professional with over 29 years of experience, currently serving as the CEO of Whitsunday Sailing Club since August 2024. Prior to this, he demonstrated his leadership abilities as Interim CEO, guiding the club through transitional periods and driving significant growth. His leadership continues to promise ongoing improvement at the club. Steve has played a pivotal role in the success of various organisations across multiple sectors, including holiday parks, resorts, tour operations, restaurants, bars, and most recently as a Building & Timber Pest Inspector at Resicert Property Inspections. This diverse experience showcases his versatility, attention to detail, and ability to navigate challenges and seize new opportunities. Through his leadership, Steve aims to create lasting impact by staying adaptable, strategic, and forward-thinking while driving operational excellence, empowering teams, and exploring new opportunities to expand and improve the offerings.
Steve Watson
Steve is an accomplished tourism and hospitality professional with over 29 years of experience, currently serving as the CEO of Whitsunday Sailing Club since August 2024. Prior to this, he demonstrated his leadership abilities as Interim CEO, guiding the club through transitional periods and driving significant growth. His leadership continues to promise ongoing improvement at the club.
Steve has played a pivotal role in the success of various organisations across multiple sectors, including holiday parks, resorts, tour operations, restaurants, bars, and most recently as a Building & Timber Pest Inspector at Resicert Property Inspections. This diverse experience showcases his versatility, attention to detail, and ability to navigate challenges and seize new opportunities.
Through his leadership, Steve aims to create lasting impact by staying adaptable, strategic, and forward-thinking while driving operational excellence, empowering teams, and exploring new opportunities to expand and improve the offerings.
Heather Sutton
Since arriving in Airlie in 2012, Heather has been an active member of WSC, instructing in the Off Beach Learn to Sail programs as well as skippering and crewing in the Off Shore racing program.
Heather Sutton
Heather has been sailing since she was 11 – learning to sail in Gwen 12’s on Lake Tinaroo. She spent her University years sailing and competing in Australian Lightweight Sharpies at Intervarsity’s around Australia before graduating as a Pharmacist and traveling overseas.
She spent 30 years running her own Pharmacy business on the Isle of Wight sailing off beach dinghies out of Brading Haven Yacht Club where she held the position of Rear Commodore Sailing for 3 years and became an RYA Senior Dinghy Instructor.
Heather has sailed from England to Australia participating in the ARC and World ARC before skippering her own boat to Vanuatu with aid after cyclone Pam.
Since arriving in Airlie in 2012, Heather has been an active member of WSC, instructing in the Off Beach Learn to Sail programs as well as skippering and crewing in the Off Shore racing program.
She has been part of the Executive Committee since September 2019 and was Commodore in 2022, before taking on the Commodore role again in 2025.
In her spare time she loves to do Patchwork and Quilting!
Mark Beale
Originally born a New South Welshman, Mark moved to the Whitsundays in 1998 to work on Hamilton Island.His love of sailing and being on the water stems from growing up sailing with his father and two brothers. Mark says, "we started off like most in the small dinghies, the Manly Juniors, Flying Elevens and then into the NS, the Manly Graduates and the Lasers". We sailed on the Shoalhaven River at Nowra and battled the tides, the rocks and the sandbanks – it was great fun".The Whitsundays are certainly a better place to sail and when Mark moved to Hamilton Island he worked in restaurants such as The Beach House, Toucan Tango and the old yacht club Tavern. Mark worked on Banjo Paterson on his days off crewing to take guests sailing to Chalkies Beach before taking the plunge into real estate in Airlie Beach.19 years on and Mark is married with three beautiful children and runs a large real estate business in the area employing over 40 staff. "Being an avid Wednesday afternoon twilight sailor and Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island Race week entrant, I am looking forward to helping make the sailing club the best club in the area".
Mark Beale
Originally born a New South Welshman, Mark moved to the Whitsundays in 1998 to work on Hamilton Island.
His love of sailing and being on the water stems from growing up sailing with his father and two brothers. Mark says, "we started off like most in the small dinghies, the Manly Juniors, Flying Elevens and then into the NS, the Manly Graduates and the Lasers". We sailed on the Shoalhaven River at Nowra and battled the tides, the rocks and the sandbanks – it was great fun".
The Whitsundays are certainly a better place to sail and when Mark moved to Hamilton Island he worked in restaurants such as The Beach House, Toucan Tango and the old yacht club Tavern. Mark worked on Banjo Paterson on his days off crewing to take guests sailing to Chalkies Beach before taking the plunge into real estate in Airlie Beach.
19 years on and Mark is married with three beautiful children and runs a large real estate business in the area employing over 40 staff. "Being an avid Wednesday afternoon twilight sailor and Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island Race week entrant, I am looking forward to helping make the sailing club the best club in the area".
Clayton Matthews
Clayton has been a board member for the last since 2018 and is in his second stint as Commodore. Clayton has a lot of external business experience including owning and operating the Airlie Beach Hog’s Breath Café for 15 years, with experience in both food and beverage operation. He also worked in management at the Airlie Beach Hotel, Magnum’s Hotel in Airlie Beach and was the former operations manager at the Port of Airlie. Clayton loves assisting with maritime training and spends a lot of his time volunteering for sailing for schools.
Clayton Matthews
Clayton has been a board member for the last since 2018 and is in his second stint as Commodore.
Clayton has a lot of external business experience including owning and operating the Airlie Beach Hog’s Breath Café for 15 years, with experience in both food and beverage operation. He also worked in management at the Airlie Beach Hotel, Magnum’s Hotel in Airlie Beach and was the former operations manager at the Port of Airlie.
Clayton loves assisting with maritime training and spends a lot of his time volunteering for sailing for schools.
Leonie Matthews
Leonie has been part of the furniture at Whitsunday Sailing Club for over 10 years, with most of that time taken up with keeping the club running day in, day out. As the club secretary, her roles are far reaching, managing the club’s marina and hard stand as well as membership and the general running of the club. She also finds time to assist with enrolments at the Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre. Leonie has working in hospitality all of her life. After completing a diploma in hospitality, she worked in a range of clubs, including a 20 year stint at Hogs Breath. She is the go-to person when you need information or assistance at the club.
Leonie Matthews
Leonie has been part of the furniture at Whitsunday Sailing Club for over 10 years, with most of that time taken up with keeping the club running day in, day out.
As the club secretary, her roles are far reaching, managing the club’s marina and hard stand as well as membership and the general running of the club. She also finds time to assist with enrolments at the Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre.
Leonie has working in hospitality all of her life. After completing a diploma in hospitality, she worked in a range of clubs, including a 20 year stint at Hogs Breath.
She is the go-to person when you need information or assistance at the club.
Chad Humphrey
Chad Humphrey is the Maritime Operation Officer at the Whitsunday Sailing Club in Airlie Beach, Queensland. In his role, Chad oversees sailing operations, coordinates regattas, and ensures the smooth execution of various sailing programs. His responsibilities include managing the club's sailing activities and contributing to the development of sailing initiatives within the community. With a background in information technology, Chad brings a unique perspective to his position. His experience in project management and IT complements his responsibilities at the sailing club, allowing him to implement efficient systems and processes that enhance the club's operations. With Chad's input, the Whitsunday Sailing Club continues to thrive as a hub for sailing enthusiasts, offering a range of programs and events that cater to both seasoned sailors and newcomers alike.
Chad Humphrey
Chad Humphrey is the Maritime Operation Officer at the Whitsunday Sailing Club in Airlie Beach, Queensland.
In his role, Chad oversees sailing operations, coordinates regattas, and ensures the smooth execution of various sailing programs. His responsibilities include managing the club's sailing activities and contributing to the development of sailing initiatives within the community.
With a background in information technology, Chad brings a unique perspective to his position. His experience in project management and IT complements his responsibilities at the sailing club, allowing him to implement efficient systems and processes that enhance the club's operations.
With Chad's input, the Whitsunday Sailing Club continues to thrive as a hub for sailing enthusiasts, offering a range of programs and events that cater to both seasoned sailors and newcomers alike.
Amanda Black
Amanda Black is the Venue, Events, and Marketing Manager at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, bringing over 15 years of expertise in hospitality, business administration, and event management. She plays a key role in enhancing the club's event offerings, brand presence, and long-term growth. Amanda oversees event coordination, venue operations, and marketing strategies, ensuring dynamic execution and continuous improvement. With a strong background in event styling, logistics, and customer service, she is passionate about delivering exceptional experiences and strengthening the club's reputation. Committed to innovation and growth, Amanda applies her expertise in business management and process improvement to drive both daily operations and long-term development, while fostering strong industry and community connections.
Amanda Black
Amanda Black is the Venue, Events, and Marketing Manager at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, bringing over 15 years of expertise in hospitality, business administration, and event management. She plays a key role in enhancing the club's event offerings, brand presence, and long-term growth.
Amanda oversees event coordination, venue operations, and marketing strategies, ensuring dynamic execution and continuous improvement. With a strong background in event styling, logistics, and customer service, she is passionate about delivering exceptional experiences and strengthening the club's reputation.
Committed to innovation and growth, Amanda applies her expertise in business management and process improvement to drive both daily operations and long-term development, while fostering strong industry and community connections.
Pamela Rusin
Pamela Rusin is the Event Coordinator at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, bringing a strong background in event planning, hospitality, and customer service. Driven by creating memorable experiences, she plays a key role in organising and executing weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings. With prior experience in sales, event management and tourism, Pamela has developed exceptional skills in client relations, logistics, and event coordination. Her attention to detail and commitment to delivering seamless events ensure that every occasion at the club runs smoothly and exceeds expectations. Dedicated to enhancing the club, Pamela fosters strong relationships within the local community and tourism industry. She is committed to process improvement, customer satisfaction, and the continued growth of the Whitsunday Sailing Club and its event offerings.
Pamela Rusin
Pamela Rusin is the Event Coordinator at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, bringing a strong background in event planning, hospitality, and customer service. Driven by creating memorable experiences, she plays a key role in organising and executing weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings.
With prior experience in sales, event management and tourism, Pamela has developed exceptional skills in client relations, logistics, and event coordination. Her attention to detail and commitment to delivering seamless events ensure that every occasion at the club runs smoothly and exceeds expectations.
Dedicated to enhancing the club, Pamela fosters strong relationships within the local community and tourism industry. She is committed to process improvement, customer satisfaction, and the continued growth of the Whitsunday Sailing Club and its event offerings.
