Come boat in Victoria

by David Staley, Yachting Victoria on 4 Feb 2005 Sailing and boating has something for everyone; Club and high performance racing suits those with competitive instincts, but Victoria’s waterways are ideal for relaxed cruising by power or sail.

Or maybe you would just like to be enjoying your summer mucking about in boats. Yacht clubs are a great place to get started.

Learn to Sail and Boating Courses

Many of Victoria’s 94 Yacht Clubs run training courses in sailing and power boat handling for boats large and small - for beginners and those with some experience. There are even specialist courses like marine radio.

This weekend, Learn to Sail courses are being held at Black Rock, Lysterfield, McCrae, Mordialloc, Mornington and Sandringham. Keelboat training is being conducted at Sandringham and Blairgowrie, whilst a Powerboat handling corse is being held at McCrae.

Visit the Training and Calendar sections on the Yachting Victoria website for more information.

Plenty to see at Melbourne Docklands

The New Quay BIA Summer Boat Show is now on at Docklands, running from Friday through Sunday with lots of boats to see and action on the water. The Tasar class will run their Victorian Short Course Championships over Saturday and Sunday, with two sessions of racing each day. Tasars are a 5 Metre high performance dinghy sailed by two people.

Each boat is almost identical, so competition is fierce and superior skills and tactics are required to reach the finish line ahead of the competition. Designed by Australia’s Frank Bethwaite, the hi-tech Tasar can plane upwind in a good breeze. The Docklands amphitheatre brings you close to the fast moving action and a live commentary will keep spectators informed.

Keeping Cancer at Bay

This is Yachting Victoria’s major annual fundraiser for charity. To be held on Saturday the 26th February 2005, all race fees from both the Range Series keelboat race and the social power and sail rally are donated to Challenge Cancer Support Network.

A huge party is being held after the on-water activities at Sandringham Yacht Club with good food and great music. You can sail or drive your own boat in the social rally or join in as crew.

Yacht Clubs return to normal

Following the flurry of activity with dozens of events held around the State during January, Victoria’s Yacht Clubs are returning to their regular routine of training, club racing and social activities.

Some clubs continue to hold organized 'Go Sailing' days, but most have an open door policy and are happy to show visitors around – especially on weekends which are generally the most active days. To find out what all the fun is about, drop in to a yacht club near you. For locations and contact details, see the Yachting Victoria website.

For all Victorian yachting information visit: www.yachtingvictoria.com.au