The latest updates from Australian Sailing's General Manager WA – Lawson Dixon

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

WA take home 3 awards at the Australian Sailing Awards Night

West Australian sailing icons Ben Durham (Coach of the Year), Holly Hunt (Instructor of the Year) and Fremantle Sailing Club’s Marine Environment Committee (Sustainability Award) have been recognised for their incredible achievements at the recent Australian Sailing Awards.

Held in person for the first time since 2019, the Australian Sailing Awards were a celebration of the sport and its community, with success celebrated from the grassroots level through to high performance on the international stage.

• More information is HERE

WA Sailors shine in ILCA Euros

Western Australian Zoe Thomson has rounded out a consistent week at the ILCA European Championships, finishing eighth overall at the regatta in Hyeres, France.

The Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club athlete maintained her form across challenging conditions in a six-day physical and mental rollercoaster of a regatta.

Thomson commented, “It was a really tough event, consistency turned out to be a winner, but it was an event where you were fighting for every point on each leg.”

The Australian ILCA sailors relished being back on the international stage after two years of restricted travel, with today’s lone race brining their long season to a close.

“It’s been great having our two peak regattas in a row at the end of a solid season,” continued Thomson. “I was disappointed after the Worlds but took the lessons into this regatta, so it was nice to have another opportunity to show what I can do.”

In the ILCA 7, Zac Littlewood finished strong with a seventh place in their race to climb up to 14th overall.

“I’m pretty happy with how the week ended,” said Littlewood. “The last event I did was the Worlds where I placed 72nd, so to be able to come back a few months later, healthy, and fit, and post a Top 15 result is really rewarding for all the work I’ve put in, as well as (coach) Rafa and my support crew.

“Even though the result wasn’t near my best, it’s motivating to show that I’m back on track towards the results I posted last year.”

ILCA 6 (109 boats) - Gold Fleet (55 boats)

• 8^th - Zoe Thomson (ASS) – (12), 3, 4, 7, 9, 23, 10, (27), 15, 15 (86 points)

ILCA 7 (169 boats) - Gold Fleet (57 boats)

• 11th - Luke Elliott (AST) – 11, 1, 6, 21, 2, (28), 21, 2, 16, (30), 20 (106 points)
• 14th - Zac Littlewood (AST) – 14, 10, 1, (28), 17, 9. (50), 17, 7, 33, 7 (115 points)
• 42nd - Ethan McAullay (ASS) – 6, 15, 4, 7, (16), 44, 30, 40, 48, 14. (DNF) (207 points)

Reflecting your Local Community ONLINE Webinar - Tuesday 29th November:

Australian Sailing is excited to open registrations for this special webinar event, through reflecting the wider community sailing clubs can become more vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive places, leading to more members and volunteers. The event is FREE, but registrations are essential so please register via the below link or read more here.

• Register HERE

Sport & Recreation Events Funding Program to reopen 30^th January 2023

Funding to secure and deliver mass participation sporting events across the State running between June and December 2023.

Sporting agencies of all sizes - from national leagues to community organisations - are invited to apply for the Sport and Recreation Events Funding Program.

Hosting a robust and diverse variety of sporting events will support the WA economy, drive tourism, and allow fans of all codes to watch and take part in their favourite sports.

Grants of varying sizes, up to $50,000, are available for successful applicants. 

• Next round opens 4:00pm 30^th January 2023
• See HERE for funding criteria and guidelines

Apply now for your $100 Discover Sailing Day presented by SunSmart Grant

Healthway and SunSmart have teamed up with Australian Sailing - WA to give all clubs a fantastic opportunity. There is a grant available on a first come first served basis where clubs can take advantage of a $1000 grant.

There are only 10 grants left available.

Your local Club Support Officer will assist you with any questions you may have.

• See HERE for information and guidelines.

WA’s Koomnana Bay Sailing Club is Australian Sailing’s Club in Focus

Koombana Bay Sailing Club (KBSC) is located on the shores of the beautiful north facing Koombana Bay Bunbury in Anchorage Cove, Western Australia. KBSC club has grown to become the local hub of sailing activity, regularly hosting community programs and a variety of racing opportunities.

• Read more about it HERE.

Any questions on the above topics please contact the General Manager - WA, Lawson Dixon at lawson.dixon@sailing.org.au

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