Kids the Winners at Try Sailing Day

Try Sailing Day

The Boating Industry Association with the support of its sailing division and Yachting NSW will be holding their annual Try Sailing Day on Sunday 4th November.

Since it started in 1997, Try Sailing Day has been able to show almost 40,000 kids the joys of sailing. Having identified that many kids and their parents didn’t know how simple it can be to participate, Try Sailing Day was created to do just that.

This year 39 sailing clubs across NSW will open their doors to those wanting to learn more. Visitors can visit one of many clubs and find out for themselves how much fun sailing can be. And it’s all free. All that those wishing to participate have to do is show up on the day, preferably with white soled shoes, a hat and sun screen. They will need to register and those under 18 will have to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Participants will be given an opportunity to sail with an experienced club member who will show them around the boat and tell them a little more about how they can get involved. Try Sailing Day is arranged through individual clubs with club members providing their own craft and acting as instructors. Primarily about dinghies, some clubs have larger vessels for the “big kids”.

Try Sailing Day

Those wishing to participate should visit the association’s web site www.bia.org.au where you can find the club closest to you. Here you will also see what types of boats are on offer as well as the “try” hours for the club where you wish to participate. Alternatively you can call 1300 7BOATS (26287) for details. Pre-registration on-line is available but not compulsory. Registration at the site on the day is also available.

Roy Privett, General Manager of the Association, said people from all walks of life had taken part in the annual program. “It represents a chance for anybody to try their hand at sailing and experience an enjoyable day out on our wonderful waterways. With the success Australia had this year at the Olympics, we are expecting this year’s event to be very popular” he said.