News
Lane Cove rebuilds club, and spirit, stronger than ever before
Published Mon 09 Sep 2019
Just about one year ago, the Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Skiff Club experienced the most devastating event in its history, when a fire tore down its major boat storage shed and decimated a number of prized boats.
The Australian sailing community watched from around the country as a club had so much taken away, but to its credit rallied in support to see them rise from the proverbial ashes and power on to a hugely important season of sailing.
After the fire on September 15, the club had a successful sailing season with many Lane Cove boats doing well at a number of state and national regattas.
Meanwhile in the background, the club's newly-formed rebuild committee, a sub-committee of the club's board of management, had been working tirelessly with members and the Lane Cove Council not only to restore what the club had lost, but to take the opportunity to create a new space that would open up the foreshore of the Lane Cove River to the community that had helped so much.
The club's Commodore, Max Gundy, said the club had done an incredible job of raising money since the fire, which was a testament to the pride these member's had in the place.
"Since the fire, the club has done a great job raising funds, however the amount needed (to complete the project) we estimate to be about $415,000," he said.
"The club has been overwhelmed with such generous support from not only the sailing community but also from local businesses that are not even involved in sailing – this generous spirit is wonderful."
He said with the help of marine architect David Dickson, the club submitted plans to the council that would accomplish the desired community upgrade, and with an enthusiastic council backing the idea, the club's vision had finally been put in motion.
With an approved design and a project manager to be put in place to lead the rebuild for the community, members are excited at what the future holds for the club.
On Saturday September 7 the club held a FUNdraiser and danced the night away with the Enormous Horns. The wider sailing community, family and friends of the club donated fantastic prizes to raffle and auction including a sail for a group of 10 on the maxi infotrack, opportunity to do the big boat race on Chinese Whisper and a degustation dinner at Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron. The evening raised over $40,000 bringing the total raised to date close to $100,000. Cost estimates to complete stage 1 of the rebuild project are $415,000.
Tax deductible donations to support the rebuild project can be made through the club’s Australian Sports Foundation project:
https://www.facebook.com/LC12ftSSC/videos/2434745863515810/
