Awards for local yacht club

Russell Phillips, commodore of Docklands Yacht Club (DYC), has been awarded the Victorian Sailor of the Year with a Disability for the third time.

DYC was also the co-recipient of the inaugural Inclusive Club Award at the Victorian Sailing Awards.

Located at the Community and Boating Hub next to Library at The Dock, DYC is the only community-based and volunteer-run yacht club in Australia.

DYC welcomes people of all gender, age, disability and cultural backgrounds as members or to just go on occasional sails.

Mr Phillips has been sailing since he was nine and has been running DYC for a number of years.

“We have a very diverse group of members. The members’ age ranges from six-years-old to 84 and half of our members are women, which is unusual among yacht clubs,” he said.

“Docklands is such a big melting pot and we want to help everyone feel comfortable in the club.”

“Because it is a volunteer-run organisation, we are very much part of the Docklands community and our members also contribute to the community.”

The club runs the Community Sailing Day every second and fourth Sunday when anyone can come down to the boating hub and sail in Victoria Harbour for $20 per person or $40 per family.

“Everyone is welcome to use the boats and facilities here on Community Sailing Day. We provide instructions and support for people new to sailing,” Mr Phillips said.

“Many people get intimidated for the first time. But once we help them get onto the water they will really enjoy it. Age, gender or ability is not a consideration for us.”

Docklands Yacht Club encourages anyone with an interest in sailing or volunteering to sign up. Visit docklands.yachting.org.au for more information.