Pittwater Life August 2018 Issue

Boating Life
Boating Life
Breeze up to sailing info day
Looking to give sailing a go,
or get your kids involved at
a young age at a fun, relaxed
club? Then consider Avalon
Sailing Club which is holding
an information and registration
day for kids on Sunday August
26th from 10am to 2pm.
With a modest timber
clubhouse on the shore
between Clareville and
Paradise beaches, Avalon SC
is a unique part of Pittwater’s
world class sailing heritage.
This year the Club will
celebrate two important
MILESTONES: Avalon Sailing Club is celebrating 80 years since formation and 60 years since its Clubhouse opened.
anniversaries – 80 years since
the formation of the Club and “Avalon is one of those
60 years since the official iconic ‘wooden shed’ sailing
opening of the Clubhouse. clubs which has a wonderfully
“We’re a volunteer-run Club inclusive culture that welcomes
with 400 active members, newcomers – there are no flash
ranging in age from 8 to 88, restaurants, bars or pokies,
with a comprehensive and just the best place for families
professional sailing program to enjoy a BBQ and a drink
catering to all ages and skills,” post-sailing whilst taking in the
said Club Commodore, Jane best views on Pittwater.”
Durham.
Friday evenings on the deck
or on the water in Summer
were a popular, family friendly
way to end the working week.
She said the youth program
which runs on Sunday
mornings from September
through to Easter, starts with
Blue Group which is aimed at
beginners aged 7 – 12. (The
Club Nippas & Pacers are used
for this program.)
“Once the basics have been
learnt, the children progress
to the Red and Gold groups
for further instruction and an
introduction to racing.”
Race preparation for State
and National Titles is also
provided. This season there
will be club dinghies available
for season hire, with no
pressure to commit to buying a
boat immediately.
For teenagers and adults,
there is a very active group
sailing Spirals and dedicated
Spiral coaching days with be
run in spring.
“The Club also runs Spring/
Summer school holiday
camps, open to children of
all ages,” Jane said. “Classes
sailed at Avalon include
Nippas, Pacers, Bics, MJs,
Flying 11s & Spirals.
“Planning is also under way
for Adult learn to sail classes
for the coming season. The
emphasis in all these programs
is that sailing is a fun activity
which teaches many skills
and provides opportunities
for a lifetime. There are
many sailors in their 80s who
regularly enjoy cruising and
racing – not many other sports
can claim that!”
The Club also has a healthy
Yacht division and a revamped
racing program for the coming
season will provide a diversity
of events and casual entries
are encouraged.
“Plus the addition of the
Pittwater Couta boat fleet to
ASC this season is a great
bonus and the Couta fleet is
always looking for crews,” she
said. “And for those who like
a more relaxed approach, the
Cruising Division organises
lots of great weekends away
and members can also take
advantage of club moorings
dotted around Pittwater.”
Blue Group Learn to Sail is
limited to 25 children, and
along with sailing camps,
positions are provided on a
first-come, first-in basis.
For more info regarding
Registration Day or any
club activities, head to their
Facebook page or email info@
avalonsailingclub.com.au
– Lisa Offord
40 AUGUST 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991