Club in Focus: Jervis Bay Sailing Club (JBSC)
Jervis Bay Sailing Club (JBSC) is situated in Callala Bay NSW, surrounded by the crystal clear waters and diverse marine fauna of Jervis Bay.
JBSC was established in 2003 to allow young graduates of the Callala Junior Sailing School to hone their racing skills and to provide a racing venue for local sailors. To this day JBSC continues to maintain a very close relationship with the Callala Junior Sailing school, in particular through their participation as part of the JBSC volunteer training group.
JBSC recently became an Australian Sailing accredited Discover Sailing Centre with the club now offering ‘learn to sail’ in the Dinghy and power boat programs as of January 2022. Their discover sailing centre activities are targeted specifically at families (parents & kids) which are attracting participants travelling from surrounding areas such as Canberra to attend.
Membership: The club currently has 48 members and can boast some very special member achievements over the years that include 3 times Tasar World Champion Rob Douglass and Nic Douglass, Geoff Carne current International Canoe National Champion, David Ginty RS Aero East Coast Master, numerous Grand Master and Great Grand Master Spiral Champions.
Classes supported and types of sailing: JBSC is an open Dinghy Club and classes include: Alpha Omega, 505, Cherub, Corsair, Finn, Flying Dutchman, Elliot 7, Hunter 216, International Canoe, Laser, NS14, Sabre, Spiral, RS Aero, Tasar, Vagabond All off-the-beach dinghies and catamarans and small Trailer Sailers are welcome. JBSC conducts Club Racing every Saturday at 13:30.
Jervis Bay is a Marine Sanctuary with minimal boating traffic, so you are more likely to come into close contact with dolphins than other boaters. Jervis Bay is large, the oval shaped bay is 15 km (7 nautical miles) long and 8 km (4 nautical miles) wide. Depth ranges from 10-20 m over most of the bay. The enclosed bay is partially sheltered, but southerly swells enter the bay and wind driven waves increase the excitement when racing. The winds are generally steady and persistent throughout the year, with 15-20 knot NE winds a feature during summer. Winds are generally around 10-15 knots on most days, less during Spring and Autumn. JBSC provides a friendly environment to enjoy all its attributes.
With the impact of Climate Change JBSC is working with Shoalhaven Council in the development of Jervis Bay Coastal Management Plan. Severe weather events over the last 12 months have created significant foreshore erosion within Jervis Bay.
Key club events: The JBSC Annual October Long Weekend Open Regatta for off-the-beach vessels. Held every year to kick start the sailing season.
In 2021 JBSC hosted the NSW & ACT Laser Masters over the weekend of 13-14th February. Working with volunteers and changing covid rules proved a challenge but the club worked through to make the event a great success!
March 2022 will be a busy one for JBSC with a flurry of activity planned as they host the International Canoe Nationals, Cherub States and a round of the Sharpie Traveling trophy series.
If in the area drop in, visitors are always welcome to join JBSC’s weekly club racing or go out early in quieter conditions.
Current Commodore: Geoff Carne
