Words by: Maria Ferrario
This Sunday, we had the last Winter Series of the season. The bay was filled with sailors of all ages enjoying the +20 knot racing. We also saw a couple of Quests with academy sailors and club members taking their friends and family for a sail.
Members, parents, and volunteers played a key role in making this Winter Series possible, so we owe a huge thanks to them. We had several experienced club members run training sessions and share their infinite knowledge with our new helpers. From race management, water inductions, boat skippers and how to be a support boat, to the many shore, results processing, and admin roles.
‘It is really great to see the support of many parent volunteers this season’ Egbert Segers – Volunteers Coordinator & Sailing Committee Chair
While the Akarana Winter Series is open to all race sailors, it’s often the first taste of racing for our Green fleet and the focus is very much on making it fun for our younger sailors. While the more experienced sailors will race in more challenging waters, and use this practice racing as an opportunity to train for major regattas.
“This is an ideal space for all the families and members to be around, enjoying the club and being part of our fun volunteer roles. We saw a good collaboration spirit where the parents enjoyed watching their kids sail while running the races and learning many new skills. It was good to see our most advanced race sailors continuing racing during the winter and getting ready for their next big regattas. Maria Ferrario -Programs and Community Manager
At the last Akarana (summer & winter) Series, we experienced a great sense of community and social environment at the club, family and fun combined with a healthy competitive environment. From 4 to 25 knots, our sailors enjoyed the mixed sailing conditions and learned many new skills from racing in various winds and especially tides! This mix of conditions is what makes the best sailors, and we have a great playground at RAYC.
We look forward to seeing everyone at the next summer series starting soon! Stay tuned through our Members Newsletter and social media for more club social and racing events.
Latest Winter Series (Sept 17) results
Congrats to our Most improved sailor: Arabella Gimeno-Wood
Special congrats also to Nick Segers for logging the most completed Winter Series races out of all of the entrants!
Volunteers needed!
We have a very busy summer of sailing – both Club Racing and Regional and National regattas coming up and we a desperately seeking more volunteers to get involved. No experience is necessary – there’s something for everyone. So if you’re a bit of a community legend, please let us know by submitting the form here.
