4:13 AM Wed 28 Oct 2009 GMT
The Boating Industry Association of NSW annual Try Sailing Day, now in its 13th year, is scheduled for Sunday November 1, with 29 of the state's leading yacht and skiff clubs backing the popular program.
An initiative of the association's sub-group, the Sailing Industry Association (SIA), the annual event allows those who may otherwise never have had the opportunity to try their hand under sail.
Over the years, the Try Sailing Day program has introduced hundreds of children & families to the sport, many going on to become valuable members and regular sailors with various clubs.
Respected boating identity Bob Basham, a Life Member of the Boating Industry Association of NSW, has been a driving force behind the scheme.
He has been delighted with the response from the public and particularly appreciative of the support from the clubs.
'The clubs across NSW and the ACT have been tremendously supportive of the program,' he said.
'Club members have also been outstanding supporters of the program, using their own valuable boats and acting as instructors for those trying the scheme who rank as beginners.'
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No one enjoys Try Sailing Day more than the youngsters, as seen with this group on the Lane Cove river. - Domenic Genua
Click Here to view large photo
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Domenic Genua, the association's Marketing and Events Manager, said Try Sailing Day had unearthed many new members for the yacht and skiff clubs involved.
'It has really been a successful scheme over the past 12-years, and we're aware of many rank beginners who tried their hand at sailing for the very first time and have gone on to become regular, social or competitive sailors,' he said.
'It's very easy to become involved; there's no cost or appointment necessary. Simply turn up on the day at the club most conveniently situated to you and you will be made welcome.
'I recommend suitable clothing, depending on the weather of course, and appropriate footwear, ideally non-slip shoes with white soles (black soles can leave marks on pristine fibreglass decks).
'Who knows,' he added, 'you might discover skills you never knew you had and end up aboard a maxi yacht on Boxing Day bound for Hobart.'
'Here's your chance to unveil your yachting skills all at no cost, don't miss this opportunity,' Domenic Genua said. 'Simply put, you'd be mad not to give it a go.'
Clubs involved with the 2009 Try Sailing Day comprise:
SYDNEY METROPOLITAN AREA:
Abbotsford Abbotsford 12-foot Flying Squadron (10am-1pm)
Balmoral Balmoral Sailing Club (10am-3pm)
Blakehurst Kogarah Bay Sailing Club (9am-3pm)
Brooklyn Hawkesbury River Sailing Club
Brooklyn Hawkesbury River Yacht Club
Brooklyn Hornsby PCYC Sailing Club
Chipping Norton Chipping Norton Lake Sailing Club
Darling Point RANSA & Sailability Rushcutters Bay (10am-2pm)
Dolls Point Georges River Sailing
Kurnell Kurnell Catamaran Club
Manly Manly Yacht Club
Phillip Bay Yarra Bay 16-ft Skiff Sailing Club
Putney Concord & Ryde Sailing Club
Rose Bay Woollahra Sailing Club
Sans Souci Botany Bay Yacht Club
NSW REGIONAL AREAS:
Armidale New England Sailing Club
Berkeley Port Kembla Sailing Club Co-operative Limited
Budgewoi Budgewoi Sailing Club
Port Macquarie Port Macquarie Sailing Club (9am - 1pm)
Sunshine South Lake Macquarie Amateur Sailing Club
Tamworth Lake Keepit Sailing Club
Taree Manning River Sailing Club & Great Lakes Sailability
Taree Taree Aquatic Club
Toronto Royal Motor Yacht Club Toronto
Toronto Sailability NSW Toronto
Toronto Toronto Amateur Sailing Club (10am-2pm)
ACT AREA:
Greenway Sailability ACT (12-4pm)
Yarralumla Canberra Yacht Club (10am - 1pm)
Yarralumla YMCA of Canberra Sailing Club
For further information:
www.bia.org.au
1300 7 BOATS (26287) Recorded info line
(02) 9438 2077 Boating Industry Association of NSW
by Bob Wonders
Click on thumbnails to enlarge and find more photos:
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