Dozens of brightly coloured sailing boats are expected to adorn Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin this coming Saturday 17th September to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Y Canberra Region Sailing Club.
“YMCA Canberra Region is the only Y in Australia that has its own sailing club. And with such a rich Canberra history and being so important to its 160 members, we are really looking forward to celebrating our 60th anniversary with our sailors, and the broader community who will truly enjoy Lake Burley Griffin dotted with sailing boats,” said YMCA Canberra Region Chief Executive Officer, Torrien Lau.
“Y Canberra Region Sailing Club is a family orientated club catering for off-the-beach dinghies and catamarans, and our members are supported by over 30 volunteers who focus on developing young sailors and welcoming people with limited or no sailing experience and disabilities,” continued Mr Lau.
Canberra’s sailing experience originally centred on Lake George before relocating to its current home of Yarralumla Bay with Lake Burley Griffin was filled in 1964. The Sailing Club provides members with learn to sail courses and club racing for beginners through to advanced sailors. It is a youth and family-oriented club with both competitive and non-competitive sailing and other recreation activities on offer.
Ron Thompson is the Club’s Commodore and says he gets a lot out his involvement with the Club, which offers sailing from Spring, Summer and into Autumn each year.
“The Club means so much to its members. Our family and junior sailing activities are the ideal place for families to start sailing together. With access to boat hire and help from The Y’s volunteers and staff, you need no prior experience to get out onto the water,” said Mr Thompson.
“We invite members, sailors and the broader Canberra community to get lakeside to see our Anniversary Race on what we hope will be a beautiful spring day for the first day of Floriade,” Mr Thompson concluded.
The Y Canberra Region Sailing Club’s 60th Anniversary Race takes place Saturday 17th September at 1.00pm. For more information, or if you’d like to learn how to sail with The Y Canberra Region Sailing Club, visit www.ymcacanberra.org.au, call 02 6242 4040 or contact via the website.
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PHOTO OPPORTUNITY – MEDIA ARE INVITED TO ATTEND:
What: The Y Canberra Region Sailing Club 60th Anniversary Race
Up to 60 sailors and 30 sailing boats will race from the Clubhouse to Tarcoola Reach, then the classic triangle of the original permanent marks – Acton, Deepwater, Yarralumla. Following the race there will be a presentation of the Y Sailing Club 21/22 sailing season prizes and a sausage sizzle.
When: Saturday 17th September 2022.
Where: YMCA Jetty at the Sailing Club. 35 Alexandrina Drive, Yarralumla ACT.
Time: Between 12.30-1:00pm. Race starts 1:00pm.
RSVP: Please advise if you intend to attend.