Less than a month away from the iconic Hamilton Island Race Week. Last week, major partner of Australian Sailing, Hamilton Island announced the winners of the 2018-19 Discover Sailing Centre Competition. A means to recognise those clubs that have made the largest growth in participation in our sport within the last year.

Separated into three categories; Largest growth by percentage, Largest growth in numbers and Largest Tackers growth by percentage.

WA’s own Mounts Bay Sailing Club, albeit small, won the first category with 1600% growth of full course participants. They also achieved fourth in the Tackers category. Rear Commodore of Sailing at Mounts Bay Sailing Club, Larry Smith said, “We are thrilled to have won this prize, the hard work of our volunteers and staff has really paid off this season and it's great to have that acknowledged by Australian Sailing. We plan to use the prize at a fundraiser with the aim of purchasing and maintaining the vital equipment needed for our sailing program.”

Hillary’s Yacht Club won the second category with a total of 399 new people this year finishing the full course. East Fremantle Yacht Club and Jervoise Bay Sailing Club both received commendation coming third and fourth in percentage growth category.

Mounts Bay Sailing Club, in association with Western Australian Nautical Initiatives & supporting local businesses, has created a unique community based & primary schools targeted strategy for enhancing youth involvement in sailing. This initiative creates a sustainable support network for the future of sailing whilst enhancing the exposure of the Australian Sailing's Tackers program nationwide. Additional Optimist sailboats have further assisted in the development of these initiatives, along with youth and family involvement within the sailing clubs in Perth, Western Australia.

An astonishing effort by WA clubs and volunteers. Leading the charge nationwide.