Geelong yacht club opens to public

THE Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RYGC) is giving people a chance to explore sailing at a community open day on September 11 as it kicks of its 2022-2023 sailing season.

After years of pandemic restrictions that have severely hampered the celebrated club’s ability to operate, the event is now one of many on its calendar in coming months ahead of the 180th birthday of its Festival of Sails regatta in late January.

The open day will feature a launch of the Change our Game supported program to encourage female participation in the sport, dubbed the ‘Sassy Sailing Sisters’, and will be attended by Member for Geelong Christine Couzens.

Budding sailors will be welcomed aboard yachts at the floating marina, invited to take part in a knots and splice ‘display and play’ demonstrations and have access to hands-on learn to sail boats.

“As community focused club, we look forward to welcoming new members into our learn to sail programs and weekly Twilight Sailing session, as well as becoming a part of our club’s future,” Commodore Roger Bennet said.

The club is also relaunching its Skiff Rowing program, as it calls for volunteers to participate on and off the water in a roster of weekly “come try it” sessions over the summer.

Founded in 1859, the RYGC’s Festival of Sails is the oldest sporting event in the Southern Hemisphere and the clubs annual hosting of the event was a contributor to it being awarded the Australian Sailing Club of the Year and Community Clubs Victoria Regional Community Club of the Year awards in 2020.