Sailing legends support Southport Yacht Club’s ‘Discover Sailing Day’

by Bronwen Ince on 9 Oct 2014 Two legends of Australian sailing, Olympic gold medallist, Mat Belcher, and young solo round-the-world sailor, Jessica Watson, have committed to being part of Southport Yacht Club’s ‘Discover Sailing Day’ on Sunday, 26 October.

The pair will be returning to home waters on the Gold Coast to support the day, which is aimed at introducing ‘would-be sailors’ to the sport.

Both have a strong affiliation with Southport Yacht Club: Mat Belcher is a club member and often uses the facilities as the training base for his international campaigns. Jessica learned to sail at the Club at a very young age.

'It’s wonderful to see these two great sailors putting something back into the sport via Southport Yacht Club,' said the Club’s Sailing Operations Manager, Kelly Mackay. 'They had no hesitation is supporting our Discover Sailing Day as they recognise it as being the perfect way for people of all ages to be introduced to this exceptional sport.'

The Discover Sailing Day will be staged out of Southport Yacht Club’s sail training facility at 1 Marina Crescent, Hollywell from 9am to 1pm on 26 October. It is part of the Club’s already highly successful ‘Learn to Sail’ program.

Mat and Jessica will be joined on the day by one of Southport Yacht Club’s rising stars, 49er Olympic dinghy class world youth champion, Joel Turner. All three will be at Hollywell from 9am to 10am to talk to Discover Sailing Day participants and sign autographs.

The Discover Sailing Day is aimed at showing sailing is easy, inexpensive, simple, safe and fun. Everyone will be given the opportunity to go for a sail with one of the club’s qualified instructors. Buoyancy vests and all sailing equipment will be provided. Participants will only need to bring swimmers, a hat, sunscreen, towel, old sandshoes … and a desire to have fun!

Parents will be able to enjoy Southport Yacht Club hospitality by relaxing on the patio at the club’s waterfront facility while watching the children sailing. Breakfast will be available from the club’s safe from 7.30am.

Yachting Queensland and their charity partner, Melanoma Patients Australia, will also be attending the ‘Discover Sailing Day’ at Southport Yacht Club to help raise awareness, and educate the sailing community, in what can be done to reduce the risk of melanoma and promote early detection procedures.

For more information please contact Southport Yacht Club's Hollywell Sailing Squadron on 07 5537 7030 or sailing.academy@southportyachtclub.com.au.