The COVID-19 Pandemic has profoundly impacted the sport of Sailing. Sailing clubs around Australia have been forced to close their sailing and hospitality operations.

As a result, Australian Sailing has carefully reviewed its cost base and operations to scale back in line with what is happening at clubs and the broader economy. This has included a reduction in the number of staff at Australian Sailing.

Clubs are the lifeblood of Australian Sailing,” said CEO Ben Houston. “Our priority is ensuring the long-term sustainability of our affiliated clubs. Like many of them, we have been forced to make some difficult but necessary decisions regarding staff and operations.”

Australian Sailing is feeling the pain alongside our clubs, and like them our focus is to look after our people and to give them the support they need at this challenging time.”

Australian Sailing has undertaken taken several measures to support clubs, including providing guidance on all available government grants, lobbying government for rent relief and other support packages and reducing the scope and cost of its operations. Affiliated clubs have also been provided information on delayed invoicing for 2020/21 Club Fees to assist with their cashflow.

Australian Sailing President, Daniel Belcher, reaffirmed Australian Sailing’s commitment to ensure affiliated clubs are supported despite the change in staffing support.

Whilst we have been forced to make some difficult, but necessary decisions impacting roles and Australian Sailing staff members, the aim for the organisation is still to lead our clubs and their members through this crisis,” said Belcher.

It is in times like this that we remind ourselves why we are a member of a club,” he continued. “It’s not just about the sailing, but it is an opportunity to be a member of community and a part of something slightly bigger than ourselves.”

I believe strong clubs make strong sailing as a sport. Every club has a history, and we all now have an opportunity to contribute to it and ensure we all come through this together.

Australian Sailing will continue to monitor and assess its cost base and operations as the actual impact of the pandemic on the organisation is realised.

“As a community, Australian sailors are tough, resilient and resourceful,” said Houston. “When challenged, we rely on those qualities to find a way through and thrive. I know we will make it through this challenge and emerge stronger and ready to face a bright future together.”