Corporate sailing opportunities in Pittwater Twilight series

by Event Media on 25 Oct 2004 Twilight sailing has long been a popular event on Sydney Harbour – but one of its most picturesque neighbours is set to give it some strong competition this summer.

The regattas are a favourite for the city-based corporate sector with more and more companies making them a fixture on their annual social and networking calendars.

With this in mind, northern beaches corporate training company, Teamsail Australia, has released a range of packages to give small businesses to multi-national companies based in the Frenchs Forest, Ryde, North Shore and Northern Beaches districts, the chance to see what their city cousins have been raving about.

Pittwater, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, plays host to a twilight regatta series every night of the week during the daylight savings months.

Teamsail Australia has a fleet of stunning Sydney 38 one design racing yachts that it uses for corporate team building, racing and development projects.

The sleek boats – the largest and most competitive class currently racing in Australia today – are also regularly chartered to enter prestigious events such as Hamilton Island Race Week, Sydney to Hobart and other professional match racing events.

The corporate packages available have now been expanded to offer companies the chance to join in the spectacle of the upcoming twilight race series on Pittwater.

The high standard of the race boats gives participants a great chance at finishing in the pointy end of the fleet.

Teamsail Australia owner Chad Sheppeard said the new packages were attracting great interest.

‘Some people are not aware that twilight racing on Pittwater even exists,’ he said.
‘In fact Pittwater hosts races every night and boasts the largest racing fleet in the Southern Hemisphere, run from the Royal Motor Yacht Club on a Monday night.

‘On Thursday night out of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club there is strong competition, with state, national and world champions competing in the race.’

Mr Sheppeard said he was keen to replicate the popularity of corporate twilight sailing on Sydney Harbour, and make it available to those north of the bridge.

‘The fun and excitement on the water, coupled with the odd drink or two afterwards, have proved to be a combination that has seen these events go from strength to strength,’ he said.

‘Twilight corporate racing allows companies to get involved in a healthy outdoor sport that can help to reward and motivate staff, network with valuable clients and suppliers and associate their business with the desirable things in life, like sailing.'

‘The camaraderie and atmosphere is infectious.’

Teamsail will offer boats for the duration of the series, which runs from the end of October until March.

Sailing experience is not necessary as a skipper and deckhand are provided to instruct and assist.

Companies have a range of options, from a single entry, which costs $1400, which includes a crew of up to 10, the skipper and deckhand and all instruction. Discounts apply for multiple boat entry or a four-race package. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

‘With up to 10 crew places available per boat, this works out at a very reasonable per-head cost for an excellent networking and team bonding experience,’ said Mr Sheppeard.

‘If you have experience, you will be thrilled to sail a true thoroughbred and if you haven’t, you will be a seasoned crew member by the end of the series.’

For more information visit www.teamsail.com.au or phone Teamsail Australia on 9997 5344.