To mark National Volunteers Week 2022 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.

Without volunteers sailing would not be possible in Australia. Everyone of our 350+ sailing clubs around the country rely on volunteers to fulfil critical roles in every aspect of the sailing club operations. From making lunches and mowing the rigging lawn to chasing government funding and securing the leases, volunteers are instrumental in ensure sailing continues around the country. Volunteers in sailing are not only limited to the clubs, many individuals volunteer their time to assist Class Associations, sailability, school sailing programs our state associations and Australian Sailing to ensure sailing in Australia continues to grow.” says Ben Callard, Australian Sailing’s National General Manager - Club Support.

Want to become a volunteer but don’t know where to start? The simplest way is to get in touch with your local club and let them know you are keen to get involved.

Officiating is also a great path to consider. In this volunteer role you will contribute to the fair and safe running of sailing competition and Australian Sailing has a National Officiating Program covering all the following roles:

• Race Officers – manage regattas & administer racing by setting courses.
• Judges – apply the rules on water for fleet racing and onshore by resolving protest hearings & appeals.
• Umpires – provide on-water decisions for Teams and Match Racing where infringements incur instant penalties.
• Measurers – check to make sure sailing equipment is within the class or rating rules.
• Equipment Auditors – ensure all safety equipment is compliant for racing categories.

The National Officiating Program courses and seminars in all the officiating roles are structured and have content that is relevant to each role and in compliance with the Racing Rules of Sailing. All Australian Sailing accredited Officials will have completed one or more of these courses and seminars at various levels.

Australian Sailing can help by providing training for volunteers, employees, and sailors, arranging appeals committees and seminars, or just providing advice to clubs and classes. If you or your club would like to know more please contact your Australian Sailing Club Services Officer or General Manager. AS Contacts.

Make 2022 the year to volunteer!