The enthusiasm for the restoration and sailing of vintage and veteran dinghies is growing all the time and Chelsea Yacht Club is proud to host an invitation event for all classic dinghy classes. If you have been meticulously restoring a boat or it is about time you got that old boat down from the garage roof this event is for you. The Back to Chelsea Invitation will bring to life the excitement of dinghy sailing from the Club’s formation in 1938, to the post war boom in sailing through the 1950’s to 1970’s with contemporary Chelsea boats including V.J.’s, Vee Esses, Skates, Payne Mortlock Canoes, GP-14’s, Rainbows and Heavyweight and timber lightweight Sharpies both sailing and on display .

All other classic dinghies and classic timber catamarans are also invited as guests. There will even be a rare appearance of a St Kilda 8 footer. Held on Saturday 8th February 2020 there will be a social sail with a sail past at 11 am.

This will be followed by a beach display and lunch. Over lunch participants and visitors will be treated to a presentation on How to Sail a V. J. Fast from two V.J. sailing legends, past Olympic sailing coach Lex Bertrand and John Ollie Manfield. With four Victorian V.J. Championships and numerous subsequent championships in other classes between them, this is a one in 55 year chance to pick up tips from these sailing veterans.

For those game enough there will be a race in the afternoon, weather permitting. Boats that participate in the morning sail past, beach display and are present at the after race presentation will be in the draw for a brand new Gale and Rimington jib! Participating boats are requested to be on the Chelsea Foreshore at 0930 on the day of the event.  Registration entry fee $15 per single or double handed dinghy/catamaran or $20 per three handed dinghies.  Entry fee includes voucher for sandwich/roll lunch and soft drink per sailor. Additional lunches, snacks and beverages available for purchase at the club.
Boats that may not be ready for the water are welcome for the beach display. Boats that only participate in the beach display will not incur a registration fee.

Participating boats are requested to register online please before the event at www.chelseayachtclub.com.au 
Enquiries: phone Andrew Ford 0480 103 378 or email manager@chelseayachtclub.com.au

Chelsea Yacht Club is located on the Chelsea foreshore in Melbourne and is accessed via Kelvin Grove.
This is a must for everyone’s diary. Saturday 8th February 2020. Visitors are most welcome, come down and have a look.