AllSail
Reporter: TIM CAMPBELL
Life does not stop for retirees and it’s never too late to learn to sail.
Trying to get a foot in the door (or on the deck) of a new sport can be daunting: Who do I contact to try and get involved in Sailing? Do I have to join a club? Where can I learn to sail? These are some common questions that are asked of Yachting Australia and it's Member State and Territory Yachting Associations (MYAs).
Yachting Australia has developed training schemes for sailing, power boating and windsurfing, including both theoretical and practical training. These courses are provided by registered Yachting Australia Training Centres which can be run through a club or commercial outlet.
Yachting Australia clubs also provide services to those who are new to sailing. We also provide an opportunity for people with disabilities to participate in sailing, through the Sailability program.
There are a variety of ways to get into sailing, the two easiest being to undertake a Yachting Australia training course or to start crewing for someone else.
The Yachting Australia Training Schemes are nationally recognised and span from beginners in small boats, yachts and powerboats, to sailing and racing offshore. These are taught at Yachting Australia approved Training Centres (YATCs), including clubs and commercial schools, all around Australia.
The sailing community and sailing clubs are also keen to encourage new sailors and often have "try sailing days", social sailing events and open days. Attending one of these is a good way to find someone looking for crew who may be willing to give you experience (to support what you have learned at a YATC). Many yacht clubs also conduct twilight races, which are usually less serious, with shorter races than Saturday or Sunday racing. Skippers for these races are usually more willing to take on inexperienced hands at these events.
Allsail
Allsail is a Yachting Australia Training Centre at Church Point and offers a new way to sail - fantastic value in a sport with a major reputation for big bucks, and a friendly atmosphere for people who want to enjoy their sailing. Here you'll find out how they’ve redefined the concept of yachting, uniquely offering sail training and leisure sailing on their own fleet of boats, at prices that make possible this great Aussie pastime, to just about everybody. You'll hear from the crew, and you'll learn all about those lucky sods who have hung up their 'Gone Sailing' shingles and headed for clear water.
Sailing Courses
All Allsail instructors are Australian Yachting Federation and Waterways approved. All the offshore instructors are yachtmasters, as are many of the inshore instructors.
Beginners
This one is for absolute beginners. You’ll be introduced you to one of the great team sports and see how easy it really is. It's an entirely practical course where you learn the basics of rigging, safety, the wind, sail handling, helming and more. They aim to give you a broad understanding of the basic principles.
Club Crew Course
This course builds on the Beginners' course and covers more advanced sail handling, personal safety, some helmsmanship, reefing, selecting and changing headsails, working, reaching, running, engines and mooring. The course objective is to remember the earlier topics and understand the more advanced topics. Upon completing this course you'll be eligible to join the Allsail Club.
More Information
Allsail
Ferry Wharf
McCarrs Creek Road
Church Point
Telephone: (02) 9979 6266
The sailing course is $440 per person for four lessons.
Prices correct as at 14/07/07
For everything to do with the boating lifestyle, mark your diary for the Sydney International Boat Show. It’s on at Darling Harbour from the second to the seventh of July. For more info, set sail for www.sydneyboatshow.com.au
LOGICAL COMPETITION …
Get the most out of the next stage of your life thanks to Logicol.
We’re giving you and a friend the chance to win a six month
Allsail Club membership.
It’s worth $1800 and it’s a great way kickstart your boating lifestyle.
To be in the running, call our Logicol competition line on
1902 55 77 09 and good luck!
M.NET 55 cents max call cost. Mobile phones extra.
Lines close 19/07/07 at midnight
NSW permit number: LTPS07/22776, ACT permit number: TP 07/02764
Terms and conditions are available by contacting The Seven Network