Experienced sailors and complete beginners all have the chance to try something new at this year’s Festival of Sails with a range of ‘come and try’ sailing opportunities.
The Royal Geelong Yacht Club’s (RGYC) ‘Discover Sailing’ program will be running on Thursday on Australia Day, January 26 as an annual highlight of the Festival of Sails.
And this year for the first time, the Club will also be hosting a ‘Come and Try’ day for more experienced sailors tomorrow, Wednesday, January 25.
The ‘Come and Try’ Day will introduce a range of new ‘off the beach’ (OTB) boats to active Geelong sailors – along with those who might be contemplating a return to the sport – including the brand new foiling Waszp, which RGYC Sailing Manager, Mike Williams describes as ‘fast and furious’.
“This boat was only released about six months ago and it is a real showstopper, incorporating the latest foiling technology which brings the boat literally right out of the water,” he says.
“It’s fast, it’s exhilarating and I know it will be a hit with sailors wanting to try their skill!”
Along with the Waszp, other class associations heading to Geelong to try and entice new fans will be the 420s, RS Quest, Aero, Cadet and Optimist classes. The day will also feature small keel boats alongside the OTBs.
For less experienced sailors, the ‘Discover Sailing’ program is always a popular addition to the Festival’s program and according to Mike Williams, this year should be no exception.
“It’s always a terrific opportunity for families and kids to take to the water under the watchful eye of our club instructor Chris Jones to get an idea of what the excitement of sailing is all about,” he says.
Sailing fans of all abilities will also have a chance to take to the water next Wednesday when the Hansa 303 class will be on the water – one of the boats officially recognised for sailing enthusiasts with a disability.
“We’re really proud that as an event we can offer sailing experiences for everyone of all ages and all abilities,” says Mike Williams.
“I’d encourage everyone to head down to the water during the Festival and have a go!”