Sailing industry's annual ‘Try Sailing Day'

by Bob Wonders on 15 Oct 2008 Now in its twelfth year, the annual ‘Try Sailing Day’ for 2008, scheduled for November 2, has attracted more supporting clubs than ever before, with 32 yachting, sailing and skiff clubs across NSW and the ACT confirming their involvement.

An initiative of the Sailing Industry Association, a hard-working sub group of the Boating Industry Association of NSW (BIA), the Try Sailing Day program has introduced many hundreds of people to the thrill of boating under sail.

Respected industry identity (and Life Member of the BIA), Mr Bob Basham, has been a driving force behind the program.

'We’re extremely grateful to the clubs and their members for the support we receive, because let’s face it, without that backing there would be no Try Sailing Day,' he said.

'This program provides an opportunity for anyone with an interest to actually come aboard a sailboat and try their hand at boating ‘under canvas’ while enjoying a great day out,' he added.

Try Sailing Day is arranged through the supporting clubs with members providing their own craft and acting as instructors for the day.

Craft on hand range from tiny Moth class through to super quick catamarans and offshore keelboats.

Domenic Genua, Marketing and Event Manager for the BIA, which administers the day for the Sailing Industry Association, said the annual program had unearthed many new members for the supporting clubs.

'We know of rank beginners who had their first taste of sail during a Try Sailing Day who have gone on and become regular and competitive club members,' he said.

'This is an easy program to become involved with no cost, no appointment necessary. Simply turn up after 10am at the nearest club in your locality, wear suitable clothing, particularly appropriate footwear, and you’ll be made welcome.

'Who knows, you may possess skills you never thought of and could eventually be headed for Hobart aboard a Maxi racer,' he added.

Clubs supporting the 2008 Try Sailing Day comprise:

Sydney metropolitan area:
Abbotsford 12-foor Flying Squadron
AllSail Sailing School, Church Point (must be over 18-years)
Balmoral Sailing Club
Chipping Norton Sailing Club
Concord and Ryde Sailing Club, Putney
Kogarah Bay Sailing Club, Blakehurst (10am-2pm only)
Kookaburra Sailing School, Pyrmont
Manly Yacht Club
Middle Harbour Skiff Club/Northside Sailing School, The Spit, Mosman
Middle Harbour Yacht Club, The Spit, Mosman
Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club
Pacific Sailing School, Rushcutters Bay
Port Hacking Open Sailing Club, Yowie Bay (10am -1pm only)
RANSA/Sailability, Rushcutters Bay (10am – 2pm only)
Yarra Bay 16’ Skiff Sailing Club, Phillip Bay

NSW regional areas:
Budgewoi Sailing Club
Gosford Sailing Club
Manning River Sailing Club, Taree
Oak Flats Sailing Club
Port Kembla Sailing Club, Berkeley
Port Macquarie Sailing Club (9am-1pm only)
Royal Motor Yacht Club/Toronto Amateur Sailing Club
South Lake Macquarie Amateur Sailing Club, Sunshine
Taree Aquatic Club
Wallagoot Lake Boat Club

ACT area:
Canberra Yacht Club, Yarralumla (10am-1pm only)
Lake Burley Griffin Sea Scouts, Yarralumla
Lake Ginninderra Sea Scouts, Belconnen
Lake Tuggeranong Sea Scouts, Greenway
Navy Sailing (ACT), Yarralumla
Sailability (ACT), Yarralumla (1pm – 4pm only)
YMCA Sailing Club of Canberra, Yarralumla Bay.