Volunteering in sailing can give you some amazing experiences.
Over the holiday season I had the chance to volunteer for the 50th Melbourne to Hobart and also Sail Melbourne at Royal Brighton Yacht Club. Both were so rewarding in many ways.
I was able to assist The Ocean Racing Club of Victoria with media coverage of the 50th Melbourne to Hobart and in welcoming the boats when they arrived in Hobart. It was so exciting to be part of such an iconic event and experience the joy that competitors feel when they finish the race. Hobart made the yachties from both the Melbourne and the Sydney to Hobart boats very welcome and there was an atmosphere of celebration in the air.
Back home in I volunteered for Sail Melbourne, assisting on the finish boat for the ICLAs. The Melbourne weather really put the competitors through their paces over the five days. The club was buzzing. Sailors came from interstate and overseas for the event and they loved it. I also hosted an international Judge Byungho Song from Korea. He was so impressed with our club and our sailing courses on the bay it reminded me how lucky we are to have such wonderful facilities.
As well as volunteering I was invited to sail back from Hobart to Melbourne Island hopping along the East Coast and across Bass Strait with Blue Water Tracks. It was such a wonderful adventure. The highlight was beautiful Deal Island, one of “the Whitsundays of Bass Strait” with it’s crystal clear waters and the challenging climb up to the lighthouse.
I encourage all members to get involved in volunteering as well as sailing. It’s a fantastic way of using your skills, giving back to the sport and it’s great fun!
Congratulations to all members and staff who participated in these events and the many other regattas and championships held over the last month. It’s been impressive to see the club so strongly represented in so many classes. We will be celebrating all competitors when they return home to Brighton.
Happy sailing and happy volunteering!
Cath Hurley