The Sailing Season was officially opened on Australia Day with a blessing of the fleet and a sail past at the Whitsunday Sailing Club. Traditionally this ceremony is performed to bless the fleet of boats and sailors to ensure their save passage on the high seas and prosperous racing.

This year the fleet of boats, all with their flags flying, passed by the rock wall adjacent the club and were blessed by local celebrant Donna Fornsiero and sprinkled with rum by Commodore Heather Sutton.  

Sailing Manager Ross Chisholm said the official opening and ceremony is an important occasion for sailors as many of them are quite superstitious. “The blessing of the fleet allows sailors to ask Poseidon for his protection, but really it’s just an excuse to drink some rum and go for a race!

The day itself is a great opportunity for our junior sailors to get involved as well as they take our fleet of Hobie Waves and Quest dinghies out to be blessed also.” Following the blessing many of the yachts participated in a social race out to Langford Reef and back.  The first boat home, and winner of this race was Lama, skippered by Darren Lynch, together with a crew of 12. 

The junior sailors also participated in the on-shore event by offering locals the opportunity to participate in the discover sailing program and try their hand at sailing in the club’s off beach dinghies. “The discover sailing was more popular than ever this year” said Chisholm. “We had over 40 local families have a go at sailing which was great, with many expressing their interest in becoming involved in this wonderful family sport.” The event also showcased a Sailing Expo featuring Sailability Whitsundays, the Whitsunday Blokart Club and the Whitsunday Model Boat Club.  

Whitsunday Sailing Club will also be in action with a stand at Saturday’s Whitsunday Sports Expo at PCYC on Saturday January 30.  

For more information on learning to sail visit www.whitsundaysailingclub.com.au or contact the sailing manager at sailing@whitsundaysailingclub.com.au