General Manager - ACT/NSW Monthly Update October/November 2024

General Update 

Since commencing in the NSW & ACT General Manager role just over 8 weeks ago, I have had the wonderful opportunity to meet enthusiastic sailors and representatives of clubs across the state and territory. With such a vibrant and diverse sailing community in NSW and ACT, we are focused on providing support, training, and resources to all clubs who are working hard to increase their participation and membership retention. I look forward to visiting more clubs and Discover Sailing Centres over the coming months.  

Zhik Youth Sail NSW 2024 

Zhik Youth Sail NSW has wrapped up for another year on Lake Macquarie. The 2024 edition was an enormous success, with over 245 sailors from across New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, and New Zealand!  

In addition to the returning youth classes, this year we also welcomed the 13ft Skiff, Cherub and Sabot classes. We look forward to seeing these sailors return in the future to grow the impact and reach of this great youth event! 

I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank all the clubs who supported this event with boats and resources, and the volunteers, officials, coaches, parents and sailors who participated. Teralba Amateur Sailing Club has been an amazing host venue over the past 2 years, and we thank them for their dedication to support the event.  

You can catch up with the news articles and results from Zhik Youth Sail NSW via the Australian Sailing Youth website.  

Sailing Awards – NSW & ACT recipients’ finalists for National Awards! 

On 21 September, we honoured the NSW & ACT sailing award winners at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. Club of the Year awards were presented to Toronto Amateur Sailing Club (category B) and Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club (category A) for their tremendous efforts in promoting sailing at their respective clubs and hosting vibrant events for the wider community in NSW and Australia! Congratulations to both clubs and all the award recipients.  

Excitingly, several NSW and ACT award recipients have been announced as finalists for the National Sailing Awards, which will take place on Friday 1st November in Sydney. Finalists include Grae Morris (Male Sailor), Olivia Price (Female Sailor), Healy Ryan (Youth) , Jack Buchan (Sports Professional) and Lisa Darmanin (Sports Promotion).  

Discover Sailing month – get involved this November! 

A Discover Sailing Day invites anyone, whether they are completely new to the sport or just curious, to visit a sailing club and experience sailing firsthand and how fun, safe, accessible, and affordable sailing is. Participants will be introduced to the Club, experience sailing, and provided with information on various opportunities, courses, and activities to continue their sailing journey.  

This November, as part of Discover Sailing Month, Australian Sailing will be shining a spotlight on clubs and Discover Sailing Centres across the country. It is a fantastic opportunity to showcase sailing and get more people on the water and involved in the sport this season.  

Action item for clubs: 

Upcoming Sailing Events 

As we move into the busy spring and summer sailing season, there are many club and class events taking place across the state and territory! You can view these via the Australian Sailing NSW & ACT events calendar on our NSW webpage.  

Action item for clubs: 

Club & Participation Resources 

Don’t forget about the large library of resources available to Clubs, Class Associations and Discover Sailing Centres. These resources have been designed and produced to save you time with administration, so you can spend more time on the water!