Keelboat & Sportsboat Racing

On behalf of the Sailing Committee welcome to season 2024-25.

The Sailing Committee has been hard at work over the winter to enhance our racing program, making several key changes to ensure an even better experience for all. Among these are updates to the club courses for both keelboat and off-the-beach racing. Off-the-beach sailors can look forward to a second race on aggregate days, with two races on all on-the-wind race days. We’re also expanding our Sunday racing to include sportsboats in addition to the J/70 division. All the details are in this season’s race documents, so be sure to pick up a copy of the Sailing Instructions.

We have a great selection of sail training courses on offer for kids, teens and adults. We love seeing new sailors progress on their learning journey up to joining Club racing and beyond. Whether you’re sailing keelboats, dinghies, or driving powerboats, there’s something for everyone. You can also take advantage of the Club’s SUPs, sailboards, pacer dinghies, and J70s—why not try something new this season?

Our member volunteers play a crucial role across the Club, and especially when it comes to club racing. There are plenty of ways to get involved, whether it’s onboard the start boat, helping with mark laying and safety boats, or assisting in the race tower monitoring the fleet or the radio. Volunteering is a rewarding way to be part of the team, whether you commit to a couple of days each season or on a regular basis. There is training and mentoring available and even the opportunity to work towards national officiating accreditations. If you’re interested in joining us, we’d love to hear from you. Thank you to all our volunteers—you are the spirit of BYS.

In addition to our Club regattas, we’re excited to host the Victorian Championships for the J70s, ILCAs, and RS Aeros. While welcoming visitors, the regattas will provide excellent racing opportunities for our sailors right here at home.

Lastly, mark your calendars for the Club Captain’s Party on 25 January 2025 – hope to see you there!

Richard Backwell, Club Captain