Mudpuddler_March_2014_-_v1.0.pdf March 2014 | Page 9

THE FUTURE AND YOU
Don McKenzie
Times are changing. We hear about the different gen
-erations and how they have different outlooks and
expectations. All this leads to changes in what they
are looking for and how they want to achieve their
ideals.
The impact of this on sporting Clubs shows in the
general decline in the level of membership and involvement. Clubs need to look at catering for the
changed expectations and providing more variety in
services to their members and potential members
that are up to their expectations. There are a significant number of people interested in sailing but not
necessary in racing. They may not have the competitive spirit and may enjoy the relaxed activity of sailing from one place to another. Learning to sail has
become popular and is a good source of recruitment
of members. To maintain a larger part of them efforts should be made to provide an enhanced social
sailing atmosphere and program.
Long term survival depends on clubs being able to
attract and retain new members; and this may require
some changes in direction. There are signs of clubs
not reacting to the overall changes and sadly they are
not prospering and may over time fade away.
One thing we can be sure of, Clubs are formed to
supply facilities for groups of persons to pursue their
desired activities and supply some necessary services to them.
Those that meet their needs will be in demand.
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HELP
To keep a Sailing Club running requires substantial
work by a group of members. These members put in
their time and effort so the oportunity is there for
them and you to enjoy the sailing.
Volunteers to assist those members with the various
tasks would be greatly appreciated as that would
lower their level of involvement.

There were five ASC juniors participating in the
annual Lidgett Sail weekend sailed at Davey's Bay
Yacht Club in February. A very successful weekend
with over 150 juniors, and many supporting volunteers from DBSC and other clubs.
—————————————————————
SAILING REGATTA AT FORMULA ONE
GRAND PRIX
Rod Thomas
The Albert Park Yacht Club and Albert Sailing Club hosted a
mini regatta on Sunday 16th March in the leadup to and during
the Australian Grand Prix.
A varied fleet of 46 boats competed in a series of 3 short races
in gusty northwest to westerly winds in the main basin of Albert Park Lake. We had 20 boats from Albert Sailing Club,
with 11 or these club training boats sailed by newer club members. ASC also hosted 13 Minnows sailed by juniors from
Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, who enjoyed the chance to take
in a day at the Grand Prix for some sailing and spectating. In
2014 APYC were the lead organising club for this event, and
thanks go to their Commodore Peter Wittaker and their Race
Management team. In 2015 it will be ASC's turn to host.
Winners of F1 event medallions presented to class winners
were :
Laser - Peter Wright (ASC)
Impulse - Danny Marinnon (APYC)
Sabre - David Emery (APYC)
Miscellaneous - Ron Fergusson (ASC)
Minnow - James Hackett
Anna Cripsey (ASC)
Well done to Anna and the 4 other ASC juniors who all sailed
club Ozi Optis in their first race.
_______________________________________

If you have any particular skills and would like to be
involved contact any of the flag officers.
JUNE QUEEN's BIRTHDAY LONG
The tasks range from helping in the tower, kitchen,
WEEKEND
to assisting with keeping the training fleet operaAT ALBERT PARK LAKE
tional ensuring the boat trolleys are able to run the
boats out, and assisting the instructors with the trainAlbert Sailing Club is likely to be involved in conduct of
ing courses.
What makes Albert Sailing Club good is the way
members work to ensure we all enjoy our sailing.

the Australian Teams Racing Championships in Pacer
class boats on this weekend in June. Details to be released on Yachting Victoria and ASC websites in April.
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