THE Bendigo Yacht Club is gearing up for a late start to a hopefully uninterrupted season.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cNormally we would have had our Icebreaker Regatta, official opening and started racing by now. We are chafing at the bit to get racing underway.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
For anyone who hasn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, you won\u2019t find too many race-hardened, win-at-all-cost boaties about the place either.<\/p>\n
\u201cFirst and foremost we are a community club,\u201d Martin said. \u201cThe overwhelming reason people sail with our club is the rewards gained from the social contact and being part of a community.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt really is a lovely place to spend some time, only 15 minutes from Bendigo.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Bendigo Yacht Club can be found at 45 Sunset Drive, Eppalock, approximately halfway between Bendigo and Redesdale.<\/p>\n