Sailing is easier than it looks

Docklanders enjoyed early spring weather and a perfect breeze to try sailing on Victoria Harbour on August 14.

For many of the new sailors, it was their first experience of being propelled across the water by the wind in their sails.  And the grins on their faces suggested they would be back … again and again.

The Docklands Yacht Club and the Rotary Club of Docklands teamed up to offer the experience to the local community and about 50 people took advantage of it.

The Docklands Yacht Club regularly holds sessions for interested locals every second and fourth Sunday of the month.  The club is located in Shed 2 at the end of North Wharf Rd, Victoria Harbour (near the old Harbour Master’s Tower under the Bolte Bridge).

Yacht Club spokesperson Coral Allen said most first-time sailors were surprised by how easy is was to navigate their way around the harbour.

“Our fleet of Access dinghies are virtually impossible to capsize and they are a great introduction to our wonderful sport,”
Coral said.

“It’s a very stress-free way to work out the logistics of operating the sails, responding to the winds and avoiding the other boats on the harbour.”

“And sailing around Victoria Harbour on a perfect day has got to be the very best view of Docklands,” she said.

Docklands Rotary is collaborating with the yacht club to offer disadvantaged children Docklands’ experiences such as sailing.

Club president Ann Ellis said Docklanders generally took for granted the opportunities on their doorstep but, for others, they represented a world of wonderment.

“It’s incredible to learn that some of these kids have never even been to the city, much less experienced a footy match at Etihad or sailing on Victoria Harbour,” she said.