Dear Clubs and Class Associations,

I hope everyone is well and you have enjoyed a smooth start to 2021.

I would like to take this opportunity to pass on my thanks to each of the Queensland Clubs and Class Associations for your contribution and dedication to the sport of sailing over the last 12 months. 2020 was a difficult year for many, for many reasons, but because of your continued efforts I believe our sailing community has weathered the storm well and is in a great position to take full advantage of 2021.

Your Australian Sailing staff in Queensland have been busy planning and preparing as best we can for 2021 to ensure all of our courses and events are available and promoted early for your convenience. If your club would like to host any training courses for volunteers, officials, instructors or coaches I encourage you to please contact Alison Turner on alison.turner@sailing.org.au.

We will endeavour to increase our staff time out and about at clubs and events in 2021 so please let us know if there is a particular event, meeting or time you would like us to visit. Even if it is virtually, to join your committee meeting.

I would like to also thank our staff here in Queensland who have done a great job in a difficult year to support many of you through the struggles that 2020 presented. Your Queensland based Club Services Officers are:

• Alison Turner – alison.turner@sailing.org.au
• Annie Watson – annie.watson@sailing.org.au
• Grant Willmott – grant.willmott@sailing.org.au

Our Queensland team are here to partner with your club or association and collectively we have a vast range of skills and experience to assist with almost any aspect of your club’s activities. Reach out and lets us surprise you with how we can help.

Quarterly Updates and Club Cluster Meetings.

As a result of feedback from club contacts who have found the Club Cluster meetings beneficial, we are expanding our networking and communication opportunities. During 2021 I will be conducting an online Quarterly update via Microsoft Teams. These will provide a summary of activities past and planned, touch on any hot topics and an opportunity for those engaged to ask questions or provide feedback. Following the Quarterly updates Annie and Grant will lead the Club Cluster meetings allowing for clubs to get together in smaller groups to discuss the topics, seek further information or discuss other topics relevant to those clubs. I encourage your club to get involved and engage with your sailing community through these forums.

The first Quarterly Update will be conducted on Thursday 4^th March at 12:30pm to 1:30pm please click on the link to register your attendance. CLIK HERE TO RSVP.

Discover Sailing Days:

Australian Sailing has recently released a new campaign – Welcome to our Playground - This campaign focuses on our major point of difference: our amazing on water locations and natural field of play.

The goal is to amplify a simple message: Sailing is a safe, friendly sport which takes place on the most beautiful playground on earth.

We have seen recently that our community is biting at the bit to get out of the house and be outdoors experiencing new things. I encourage your club to schedule and conduct some Discover Sailing Days in early 2021 to capitalise on this and take the opportunity to grow your club membership or participation programs.

Please check out these links for resources to help:

• https://www.sailingresources.org.au/clubresources/discover-sailing-marketing/

• https://www.sailingresources.org.au/clubresources/discover-sailing-days/

Marketing support for clubs:

Please see this article released at the end of 2020 with an outline of some of the resources to support your clubs marketing efforts.

https://www.sailing.org.au/news/australian-sailing-marketing-support-for-clubs-/

2021 Key Dates:

Please pencil in and share the below dates with the key people.

• 2021 Club Conference – 24^th & 25^th July at Brisbane Sailing Squadron
• Registrations to open early 2021.

Queensland Sailing Calendar:

Please remember when planning your 2021 dates to check the Queensland Sailing Calendar – https://teamup.com/ks6zm7d7giequfk4uu

For questions and queries about using the calendar or to add your events please email Annie Watson – annie.watson@sailing.org.au

You can also Advertise Your Club and Class Major Events on the Australian Sailing e-calendar - https://www.sailing.org.au/news/advertise-your-club-and-class-major-events-on-the-as-e-calendar/

Regional Updates:

A collection of key information from the last few months. In case you missed them.

• November 2020 – https://www.sailing.org.au/news/queensland-regional-managers-update-november-2020/
• October 2020 – https://www.sailing.org.au/news/queensland-regional-managers-update-october-2020/
• August 2020 - https://www.sailing.org.au/news/queensland-regional-managers-update-august-2020/

Please continue to check the latest Club News for further information relevant to our clubs in Queensland.

COVID Safety:

COVID Safe practices continue to be a requirement. If you are running activities and events over the next few months, please ensure your organisation is complaint. The latest advice can be found here - https://www.sailingresources.org.au/covid-19/qld/

We look forward to working with you in 2021 and please do not hesitate to get in contact.

Yours sincerely

Ben Callard