Commodore Hugh Parker is ready for the Port Fairy Yacht Club’s season launch tomorrow.
PORT Fairy Yacht Club hopes to usher a new generation of sailors through its ranks when its season starts this weekend.
The club will kick off its summer on the water with a non-aggregate race off the coastal town tomorrow.
Commodore Hugh Parker said the yacht club had between 60 and 70 members, but was always on the look out for new, particularly young, sailors to sign up.
Parker said the season would include 10 aggregate handicap races, as well as longer “blue water races” to Warrnambool, Portland and Lady Julia Percy Island.
A social twilight series will also begin in January.
As many as 10 boats leave the Port Fairy marina each weekend.
“When you’re limited with the number of boats, there is a limit on how many (new members) you can take,” Parker said.
“But if we get some on a Saturday, we’ll do everything to find a spot for them.
“There are a number of members who have been sailing for 30 or 40 years or more.
“If we can get some younger members, it’s good for the club and good for the sport.”
Parker said sailing off the coast was an ideal way to spend weekends in summer.
He encouraged new and experienced sailors to join the club.
He said club veterans would compete in the Melbourne to Hobart yacht race in December, as well as races off the South Australian coast.
Parker said the sailors were hoping for clear weather to start their season in style.
“Hopefully the weather will be good for us. It’s often a lottery at this time of year,” he said.