To mark National Volunteers Week 2020 Australian Sailing would like to say thank you to all the volunteers around the country that give up their time to help at their local club.  

At Australian Sailing, we recognise that volunteers are a crucial part of the smooth running and success of the regattas and we sincerely appreciate everyone who is willing to contribute.  “Our regattas could not be done without such incredible volunteer support so thank you to all the amazing contributors” says Lesley Fasala, Australian Sailing’s Manager of Regattas & Events.

Volunteering can take shape in many different capacities and today we are proud to shine the spotlight on a couple of special contributors who have dedicated decades volunteering at their local club and sailing community. 

Fred and Barbara Allen have been members of Sorrento Sailing and Couta Boat Club (SSCBC) since 1979 and the pair have been volunteering at sailing events in various capacities since. An engineer by trade and amateur artist 83-year-old Fred has volunteered everywhere including the canteen, fundraising, rescue boats and the radio tower where he is working today. Artist Barbara, 85-years-old, has organised events as the Social Auxiliary President, fundraised, supported the club onshore at events and sewn multiple sets of signal flag, completing four flags per day (58 flags makes up a full set).

Above: Barbara & Fred pictured above volunteering at the 2020 Australian Youth Championships, photo credit: Beau Outteridge

Daryl Skinner has been a member of Keppel Bay Sailing Club in QLD for the past 50 years and never misses the chance to volunteer at a Discover Sailing Day and school sailing initiatives and remains involved in training young sailors and giving guidance to young instructors. He has also provided his services as Principle Race Officer for major regattas and racing days at the Club for the past 40 years!

Above: Daryl on water doing what he does best

If you are interested in volunteering there are various jobs available at each regatta and your local club is also likely to have volunteering initiatives in place. Currently we know of quite a few green thumb projects taking place such as this one at Darwin Sailing Club and this one at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron.

Being a volunteer is a fantastic opportunity to be involved in the many different aspects of sailing on and off the water.