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Radio Interview

 

On Wednesday 8 November 2006 our principal Chris Matthews (aka the Professor of Sailing) talked to Richard Glover of the ABC on radio 702AM - how to learn to sail in 10 minutes.  Chris was chosen from all of the Sydney sailing schools - the ABC know how to spot a good and genuine sailor!

 

 

International recognition for Yachting Australia sail training courses!

 

International recognition has been beaten as a drum for many years by some training centres - however how important is it really?   It is of course very important if you are headed for a sailing career.  If not, factors to bear in mind when choosing your sail training centre are relevance of course to the conditions you will sail in, the yacht upon which you are learning, and the time frame you have available.  In our view nothing beats taking your time in learning to sail and building up your experience with a mixture of courses and "real-life" practice sail.

 

On Thursday 13  July 2006 Yachting Australia and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) signed an in principle agreement regarding the delivery of training in Australia.

Below is an reproduction of Yachting Australia's press release dated 13 July 2006:

"The agreement will see the two organisations co-operating to offer qualifications in Australia endorsed by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency at Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster levels.  This is the same qualification issued by RYA Centres around the world.  It will be to the same standard and will carry the same international recognition.

These qualifications will be available through Yachting Australia Training Centres using existing instructors.  A Yachting Australia/RYA qualified examiner will oversee each examination.  Successful students will receive a joint Yachting Australia/RYA qualification.

The RYA has agreed to no further expansion of their training activities in Australia, in favour of working with Yachting Australia. As well as maintaining the existing Yacht and Motor Cruising Scheme, Yachting Australia will continue to manage the well-established National Training Schemes for windsurfing, dinghies, and powerboats.

Over a period of three years, Yachting Australia and the RYA will work towards mutual recognition of all student and instructor qualifications. This will facilitate the easier exchange of human resources between Australia, the UK and other markets.

A commercial agreement is expected between the RYA and Yachting Australia that will see the range of quality RYA publications available to Yachting Australia Training Centres to support training courses. It is planned that some of these publications will be jointly branded.

Negotiations with State and Federal Government agencies will in future be the responsibility of Yachting Australia. However discussions regarding the recognition of MCA endorsed commercial qualifications will be undertaken jointly. Yachting Australia may also work with the RYA in areas where they have specific expertise.

Yachting Australia recognises the very successful training schemes and resources that the RYA has developed over many years and the increasing recognition of their expertise in this area around the world. This agreement leaves the control of recreational sail and motor boat training with Yachting Australia, provides international recognition and a pathway for Australian’s seeking a career in the maritime industry and allows Yachting Australia and its’ stakeholders to benefit from the experience of the RYA in other markets. Importantly, the agreement opens the way for further cooperation with the RYA.

Yachting Australia and the RYA see this agreement is in the best interests of sailors and students, training centres, the industry generally and sailing and boating in Australia."

 

 

Whitsunday Weavings are back!

 

The fabulous offshore adventure to the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef are back.

 

One of our most popular offshore yachtmasters, Chris Stockdale will skipper the majestic Beneteau 473 "Megan Elise" from Sydney to Airlie Beach departing 29th July 2006.

 

Plus for the fun and sun lovers amongst you there are crew spots up for grabs in both Airlie Beach Regatta (10th to 17th August) and Hamilton Island Race Week (18th to 26th August).

 

Prior experience to Competent Crew is recommended.  All costs are exclusive of travel to and from your departure and arrival points.

 

For details of these trips click through to our offshore page.

 

Xcess flying the flag

 

Whilst Simply Sailing are having a break from their organised twilight racing this year, principal Chris Matthews is still flying the flag around at Manly in the Friday night twilights, on board the Big X.  Check out the results at www.myc.org.au

 

Chocolate Eclare outright twilight winner!

 

That's right - our Choccy has done us proud carrying off the silverware for first placegetter in the Manly Yacht Club Twilight Series (2004/2005).  Congratulations to our most able student crew - Adrian, Sarah, Michael, Philip and Paul - who graduated with flying colours under the watchful eye of instructor/skipper Reynald.  Choc's success was due to a number of factors, one of which was that they sailed in every race - come rain, sunshine, hail or sleet!   And their working knowledge of the rules came into play on a number of occasions (sorry what was that about the Bombora?).

 

Gift Certificates for all occasions

 

An Introductory Sailing Course - our most popular gift certificate course -  biggest seller for this year's Christmas stocking, and, at $230, why look any further for your beloved?   Presented in the form of an attractive A4 certificate, (with picture of boat and students in action) the gift is posted to your home, (blank envelopes can be arranged).   Certificates have a life of 6 months, and the purchaser can also select dates for the course on booking, (and the information is inserted into the certificate.  Gift Certificates are also available for our entire product range, including the 2 hour Friday evening social sail at $75 per person.

 

Staff Tittle Tattle

 

This month we welcome Brad Payten to the charter division.  Read all about Brad in Our Staff.  Mike Steele rejoins the sailing school operation, fresh from the UK, having answered a crisis call from the Xcess Friday night twilight crew.  Mike didn't need to be asked twice, packed his winter woolies and pulled out his boardies.  See Mike in action at the helm on Friday evenings.

 

Race Coach Training

 

Take advantage of Chris Matthews legendary race training skills and book our "Professor of Sailing" to smarten up your crew work.   Available for a minimum of 3 hours rates are reasonable and crew fusion is guaranteed.   From basic to advanced, Chris will assess your crew work, identify weaknesses and work with you for some sailing harmony.    $75 ph 3-4 persons, $100ph for 5+.    Bonus: 4 hours for the price of 3 midweek.  

 

Scanyacht 391 arrives at Simply Sailing

 

We are delighted to announce that the Scanyacht 391 "Palides" has joined the fleet effective Monday 4 October.   This yacht is designed and built in Sweden and is fitted out to the highest standards.  Currently available skippered or bareboat to experience to charterers, not only is this yacht smart, stylish and easy to sail, but a great value vessel for 9 guests.  Details...

 

Buckle up for the Bavaria Match 42

 

We're thrilled at the imminent arrival of a brand new Bavaria Match 42.  The Sydney 38 "Cuckoo's Nest" has metamorphosed into a state of the art cruiser racer!  We will be adding the Match to the mix in our Friday night twilight series - throwing down to the gauntlet to Manly's Bavaria 42.  With racing skipper Chris Matthews at the helm book your berth now with us for all the fun, camaraderie and competition of twilight racing!   

Bareboat Harbour Master Package goes Platinum

It was only a matter of time before our most popular package - the Bareboat Harbour Master - went Platinum.  The BHM takes you from knowing zilch about sailing to your inshore skippers certificate and is valid for 12 months.   3 months sailing is recommended between your competent crew and inshore skippers tickets - and to make this easier for you - we have bolted on 10 twilight sails.

The Bareboat Harbour Master Platinum Package is attractively priced at $1,703 and includes $1,925 of value:

  • Yachting Australia Introductory Course ($230)

  • Yachting Australia Competent Crew Practical Course ($425)

  • Yachting Australia Small Craft Safety Course ($175)

  • Yachting Australia Inshore Skippers Certificate Course ($450)

  • Racing Rules for the Rookies ($45)

  • 10 Twilight Sails ($600)

  • Yachting Australia logbook (Competent Crew)

  • Yachting Australia Inshore Certificate (Inshore)

The Club Racer package is also now available as a Platinum product.

 

Night Stalker strikes in the FKP Sydney to Mooloolaba 2004
 
This year's Sunshine Coast Shuffle was indeed a long slow and tactical race.   These sort of conditions frustrate many a sailor but only serve as a platform for the Night Stalker (aka Team Capt'n Chris Matthews!)   Chris and the crew of Wadadli showed the Sydney 38 Division how long races are run, taking out the no.1 coveted spot in the Sydney 38 OD division.   For press releases and more stories on this, visit the Sydney Yachts website.  

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