Former Falcon is all at sea in latest role

However, the married father-of-three was looking for a new challenge closer to his East Fremantle home.

‘Footy is very repetitive, every season repeats itself and I have worked in the football industry for 18 years ” at West Perth for eight years ” and just needed a change,’ Mr O’Dea said.

‘There’s something peaceful and serene about sailing. It’s a passive recreation but I found out since coming here (three months ago) that’s not really the case.’

Mr O’Dea, who was among more than 100 leaders that took part in the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout last Thursday night, said before taking the job, he spoke to PFSYC Commodore David Atkinson about the challenges surrounding the club, like declining membership and projects for the future. Priority projects include fixing the club’s jetties and working with the Swan River Trust to start a commercial boat lifting operation.

‘We’ve bought a Tami Lift, we just need the development work done,’ Mr O’Dea said.

‘People need to be able to get their boats in and out of the water for maintenance and cleaning.’

Boosting membership is also on Mr O’Dea’s ‘to do’ list.

‘We need people to know that we want to become part of the community,’ he said.

‘We want people walking past with their dogs to know they can come in for lunch or a coffee. We need more kids and families. It’s a very homely atmosphere.’

The PFSYC will launch a new website soon to improve its communication.