From the Commodore's Desk

So many women I have met since coming to Albany only three years ago have never been sailing, never thought they could or would sail, and have never considered sailing as one of the sports offered to the general community of Albany.  At Princess Royal Sailing Club, I found long time sailors willing to share their skill with me. I found sailing. I found freedom on the water and there is nothing like the feeling of peace, quiet and the feeling of letting go of all cares, anxieties and worries of the life I live. I get to do this often on Princess Royal Harbour and King George Sound. I suppose I could only feel like this otherwise if I were a bird soaring in the sky. 

Today I counted a total of 32 SheSails introductory keelboat sailing trainees, of whom seven have already gained their combined Start Crewing and Start Helming qualifications. Gaining sailing skills demystifies sailing and provides a feeling of safety on the water along with an “I can do this!” attitude.  Hugely beneficial, not only to good mental health, but to physical health with core and whole of body strengthening. It is truly an all-round sport! 

Two courses have recently been added to the second round of Introductory Keelboat, both starting this coming Tuesday 12 November.  Two places, possibly three, are taken, leaving just four or five required to take up the challenge and join the many women who have already discovered that knowledge of sailing has dispelled previously held beliefs of sea sickness, anxiety, and “I can’t do that, it’s only for the menfolk”.  

Guys, you are not forgotten! Introductory Keelboat training is not just for the ladies. Our Sailing Director is very keen to conduct 'Blokes in Boats' Keelboat training on Saturday mornings in December and January from 9am to 12pm.  Give Neil a call on 0408 492 157 and he will up-skill you to become a super sailor.

Princess Royal Sailing Club offers several opportunities to continue to sail and/or improve sailing skills, and they are not all about racing. Unfortunately, this seems to be a belief that does need to be dispelled. Yes, our racing skippers are desperate to find crew to train, work with and generally keep all division competitions viable. 

However, there are other opportunities to simply get out on the water and enjoy a late afternoon sail during Friday Twilights, join the new Wednesday morning social sail or be welcomed aboard a Sailability boat on either Thursday or Saturday morning.  Let's not forget the social aspect of sailing as we all finish the evening in the bar overlooking the best view in the entire City of Albany. I’m sure your Keelboat instructor has mentioned all these opportunities to you. Here, I’m offering them to the ladies in the lives of current members and any of the public reading this newsletter.

The Introductory Keelboat course is conducted in six, three hours sessions with a qualified Australian Sailing instructor on an Australian Sailing training standard Club or private yacht. The primary emphasis is always on safety, sailing, fun, fun and more fun. Email me (susette.evans@gmail.com) with your phone number, preferred day and choice of morning or afternoon, and I will add you to the ever growing list and notify you of the next available course. Of course, you could register and start your training next week. If you wish to do so, please click here.

Our Club also has a vibrant Junior dinghy sailing morning from 8.30am to 11.30am during the sailing season of October to April. While this weekend's Junior session is cancelled due to the Albany Show, the first part of regular Saturday mornings is sail training with Australian Sailing Dinghy Instructors, followed by time out on the water practicing sailing skills. Many junior sailors begin their sailing experience as Tackers, sailing on Club-owned Optimus dinghies (Oppies), progressing to the bright red sail Mirrors and then onto the Lasers as they develop skills and expertise. We also have six GP14s, some of which are often out on Saturday mornings with adults and children. Bring the kids down for a sail on Saturdays from 16 November, the first three are free! Or give our Training Director Chris a call on 0427 089 382 to find out more.

End of Spring Series Barbecue

Preparations are underway for the End of Spring Series Barbecue at PRSC  on the Sailors' Deck after racing on Saturday 30 November . Please bring your families to enjoy this casual club event.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Susette Evans, Commodore