Please click this link to find a copy of all past Queensland General Managers Updates. 

General Update 

What a fantastic month we have had!  Queensland took out both Club of the Year awards at the Australian Sailing Awards in Sydney held at the Maritime Museaum.  We are so incredibly proud of all our finalists at the National Awards, but a big shout out to Humpybong Yacht Club National Club of the Year – Cat B, Keppel Bay Sailing Club National Club of the Year – Cat A, Ian and Annika Thomson National Sustainability Award winners, Mara Stransky National Female Sailor of the Year for the second year running. You can read more about it here: https://www.sailing.org.au/news/wearn-stransky-and-symonds-reclaim-titles/  

Also at the National Awards, Mark Dingley and Mike Middleton from Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron were awarded the SOLAS Bravery Award for their response to an incident during the Finn State Championships earlier this year.  It was a very moving presentation as the sailor they rescued spoke of his experience and how grateful he was to be able to be here for the award ceremony.  This medal has only been awarded 5 times before since its inception after the 1998 Sydney to Hobart race. You can read all about the SOLAS trust here: https://cyca.com.au/about-the-club/cyca-solas-trusts/  

Alison has been working on the QSport Award nominations and sailing once again has contenders for the Queensland Awards.  Mark Dingley from Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron for Sports Administrator of the Year and JBird III racing yacht for the Sport Innovation of the Year Award. Congratulations to both of the Contenders! Alison has also been organising the next round of instructor and coach courses and planning our trip to the Fraser Coast this week to see Bundaberg Sailing Club, Maryborough Sailing Club, Hervey Bay Sailing Club and Hervey Bay Boat Club and Tin Can Bay. We look forward to getting to this region to see how the clubs are going.  

Grant has been collecting some more frequent flyer points as he headed to the Solomon Islands to continue our support of their fledgling sailing program prior to the Pacific Games. Australian Sailing collaborates with other nations, like we encourage our affiliated clubs to collaborate with other clubs, to help build a more connected sport.  

RevSport Additional Questions 

RevSport admins will soon be asked to complete some extra questions about your club for the new focus on the public facing Club Finder.  People will be able to search for what they are looking for easier with new searches for activities and facilities.  So keep an eye out for an email explaining what is happening and when.  The new questions are live on your portal in the account details section and can be completed anytime. 

Action Item/s for Club: 

• Ask your RevSport administrator to complete the additional questions in the Account Details section. 

Becoming a Discover Sailing Centre 

Being a Discover Sailing Centre is not just about Tackers. The Australian Sailing training programs cover all types and levels of boating, ranging from learning to sail a dinghy, through to cruising, top level racing, windsurfing and power boating. DSC’s adhere to standards that ensure safety and customer satisfaction. You can set your own prices and we help you every step of the way and support you when you need it.   

There is a new Discover Sailing Centre Hub with loads of information https://www.sailingresources.org.au/discover-sailing-centres/dsc-hub/  

The Standards and Guidelines will give you the nuts and bolts of what you need to be a DSC – have a read and see what you need.  Join the 20 other Queensland clubs in delivering a high-quality consistent programs. 

Action Item/s for Club: 

• If you are interested in hearing more, contact Grant or Alison for a chat or they would be happy to come to a committee meeting. 

Queensland Events Calendar 

Just a little reminder to check that your upcoming special events are in the Queensland Event Calendar.  

This calendar is driven by you, and for you, so please take the time to check the calendar and make any adjustments as necessary.  

Don’t forget, Class Associations have a link to see the calendar.  Hopefully this will help them make decisions about holding their events in conjunction with an already existing event or choose an area and club that is not busy on their preferred weekend. 

By adding your event to the calendar it will also stop the possibility of events clashing in your region.  

If you have misplaced the calendar link so that you can add your events, please get in touch. 

https://www.sailing.org.au/qld/qld-events-calendar/  

Foiling 

Has your club considered taking the plunge into the exciting fastest growing discipline that we’ve seen in years? 

With increasing interest in foiling, equipment has progressed enormously in the last few years. The cost of entry level equipment now makes foiling a more accessible and attractive activity for recreational and performance sailors alike, who want to get involved and get out on the water on various foiling craft.  

Foiling is also having a positive impact on participation and retention. Foiling disciplines are attracting new groups to sailing clubs. People who may have participated recreationally are now joining clubs to participate in racing and training programs, and there are now more reasons for younger members to stay at clubs to participate in the fast classes.  

Action Item/s for Club: 

• Read the following articles to see if foiling is for your club 

https://www.sailing.org.au/news/australian-sailing-on-the-lookout-for-nextgen-foiling-stars-/ 

https://www.sailing.org.au/news/foiling-safety-for-coaches-club-support-personnel-/  

https://www.sailing.org.au/news/new-foiling-curriculums-now-available-/  

https://www.sailing.org.au/news/will-you-be-delivering-learn-to-wing-courses-foillabs-or-foiling/  

Office Closure 

It’s time for a well-earned break for the team.  The office will be closed from Friday 22nd December to Sunday 7th January 2024.   

Australian Sailing Pulse Survey

Your opinion matters. The Pulse Survey is your opportunity to provide live feedback as and when you desire. The responses will be checked regularly and a summary provided direct to the AS Senior Leadership Team and Board of Directors - Complete the Survey

Contact

Any questions on the above topics please contact the General Manager - QLD, Annie Watson at  annie.watson@sailing.org.au 

You can find a fill list of Australian Sailing Contacts – here.