Just having returned from the Club after sailing in the first race of the season, it was wonderful to see members and visiting sailors participating in a large number of events. There was something for everyone with keelboats, Etchells, Dragons, 2.4s VxOnes, and WASZPs racing on a number of different courses on a frustrating day characterised by large wind shifts and winds from 5 knots to gusts over 20 knots. Congratulations to all the winners and, based on the results, it looks like being a very competitive season. The racing we all so much enjoy can only occur as a result of our dedicated volunteers on and off the water. Unfortunately, the number of volunteers is declining and without them it makes it difficult to run two races on Wednesdays, Saturday racing and an extensive OTB program on Sundays and not to forget big regattas such as Sail Melbourne, state, national and world championships. Volunteering at RBYC takes many forms, from race management, assisting during major regattas, maintaining Club facilities, rescue boats and the marina and participating in and providing advice to the Club’s committees including the General Committee. You’ll even see me behind the Members’ Bar on Mondays and Tuesdays. There are many advantages of volunteering, including learning new skills such as boat handling, race management and first aid, utilising your expertise across a range of practical and professional disciplines and perhaps more importantly, it allows you to develop new friendships, try new activities on and off the water and contribute to ensuring your Club, RBYC, is able to provide world class racing and services to members and visitors alike. Please consider how you can assist the Club and for more information feel free to contact the Main Office, Sailing Office or members of the General Committee.
Peter Demura