Calmer waters welcomed by yacht club

THE Bendigo Yacht Club is gearing up for a late start to a hopefully uninterrupted season.

Members are also putting the word out to attract new members – no experience necessary – to its inclusive, community-based headquarters on the shores of Lake Eppalock.

As a less restricted summer slowly approaches, vice-commodore Peter Martin said while members have been enjoying social sailing and cruising, COVID is still impacting the club.

“The toughest part perhaps has been to see teams of volunteers put in a lot of time planning and promoting events, to then have to call them off as situations change,” he said.

“Normally we would have had our Icebreaker Regatta, official opening and started racing by now. We are chafing at the bit to get racing underway.

“Our first major events are looking like our Discover Sailing days on November 21 and January 16. This is a fantastic opportunity for people to visit, learn more about the club, try sailing and see a range of different boats.”

For anyone who hasn’t had a chance to visit BYC since its formation way back in 1962, if you have a picture of an exclusive bunch of elitists in polo shirts and boat shoes, sipping on champagne all day long, you might be in for a surprise.

On the other hand, you won’t find too many race-hardened, win-at-all-cost boaties about the place either.

“First and foremost we are a community club,” Martin said. “The overwhelming reason people sail with our club is the rewards gained from the social contact and being part of a community.

“We work hard to foster a safe space for every member to learn, enjoy and relax in the outdoors. We are really inclusive and encourage anyone to have a go.

“It really is a lovely place to spend some time, only 15 minutes from Bendigo.”

The Bendigo Yacht Club can be found at 45 Sunset Drive, Eppalock, approximately halfway between Bendigo and Redesdale.

For more information visit facebook.com/BendigoYC.