Project: To replace and upgrade equipment for the Youth Sailing Academy.

The Need: The Youth Sailing Academy was established in 1993 as a full time training division to provide expert sailing tuition using the Training Scheme of the Australian Yachting Federation. Over 2,000 students aged from 12 to 19 have graduated from its Learn to Sail and Intermediate courses held during school holidays, which teach basic boat handling and safety, sail trim and boat maintenance. Advanced Sailing Courses are also offered by the Academy to broaden the sailing skills and experiences of young sailors and provide opportunities for match racing, teams racing and yacht racing through finishing programs which include physical fitness, campaign planning, weather, tactics and strategy theory. During these courses students are encouraged to participate in Club events to acquire experience in keelboat racing.

5.9 metre Elliott yachts are used in the Academy’s training program because of their stability and manoeuvrability. Because the Academy’s fleet of ten Elliotts is in constant use maintenance, replacement and upgrading of yachts and associated equipment including sails and mast, booms and rigging is essential. The supply and maintenance of suitable coach vessels and storage berths for all boats when not in use are also ongoing costs.

The Academy caters for school and community groups and its graduates have taken part in numerous international dinghy class competitions including Australian representatives in its Australian Youth Team and competed in internationally recognised yachting events including the Americas Cup and the Kenwood Cup. Assistance in running events and regattas comes from parents, community volunteers and past students.

The Goal: To raise $150,000 over two years for the upgrading and replacement of equipment.

The Approach: Members of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) are extremely supportive of the Youth Sailing Academy and have been willing donors through the CYCA’s association with the Australian Sports Foundation. The CYCA appeals for funds through its normal marketing and development program. The CYCA’s Chief Executive Officer, Joe Goddard, says that members are keen to support the Academy and view the opportunity to donate as a way of ensuring a sound future for yachting and being able to choose experienced and committed crew with the ability to take part in the year round Club racing program. As well he said, students benefit from being in the atmosphere of a Club where they learn co-operative behaviour, teamwork and perseverance.

The cost of various projects of the Academy is subsidised by the CYCA who actively encourage students to represent it in state and national events. Six students participated in the Australian Teams Racing Championships held in Tasmania in 2002 and teams have been sent to the U.K. to participate in Under 25 Match Racing at Cowes Week 2002 and Auckland, New Zealand for Under 20 Match Racing all other years.

The Challenge: Joe Goddard says the major challenge for the Academy is to increase the profile of yachting generally, to introduce young people to keel boat sailing and to act as a ‘finishing school’ for young sailors aged 12-25 years.

The successful strategies

• Use established member networks to support particular fundraising goals;
• Celebrate successes, ensuring Club members know about them;
• Ensure young people have an opportunity to understand the responsibilities of being part of a dedicated sporting club.
• Use of a comprehensive and progressive program of events and training courses to help the transition from Youth Sailing to members’ yachts and representative regattas.

Location: The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia is located in Darling Point, Sydney.