Summer Holiday Camps - Final week!

We have one final week of holiday camps this summer! Secure your child’s place now before its too late!

Week 5: Monday 20th January - Friday 24th January 2025

Holiday camps are perfect for Kids of all sailing ability to have fun out on the water!

If you’re kids are keen, click the link below to book into the final holiday camp this summer:

Should you have any questions and/or would like to book specific days please don’t hesitate to contact us, we are flexible and always happy to assist!

Introducing our new Head Coach - Makenzie Mayne!

The Committee is pleased to introduce Makenzie Mayne as our new Head Coach of the Vaucluse Sailing School! To help you get to know her better, we have asked her a few questions….

When did you start sailing?

I began sailing when I was eight years old at Lane Cove 12ft Skiff Sailing Club in their Learn to Sail program. I completed three Learn to Sails and then began to race in the main fleet in a sabot on the weekends when I was eleven years old.

What boats have you sailed and are currently sailing? Which is your favourite?

I have sailed a wide range of boats from dinghies to keel boats. These include; Sabots, Flying 11’s, Cherubs, Elliot 7’s. and Yachts. Out of all of these, my favourite to sail is the Cherub as it is definitely the fastest of all the boats and the adrenaline rush when racing in the boat is unmatched.

How many years have you been an instructor?

I first began helping out at Learn to Sails as an aide when I was eleven years old and once I turned twelve, I helped out as an assistant instructor. Once I was able, I received my full instructors qualification and as of this year, I have been instructing for a total of 7 years.

What is your favourite part about instructing?

My favourite part of instructing is meeting all the new kids on each new course and getting to know them. No two courses are ever the same and they always present new challenges and memories. It is this diversity and fluidity of the experiences I have as an instructor that formulates why I enjoy being an instructor so much.

Tell us about your racing history and competition in states national championships? Which destination was your favourite?

In total, I have competed in over 20 state and national competitions in the past 8 years. These competitions have taken me all over Australia from Townsville to Tasmania and have granted me unforgettable memories. Whilst winning medals and awards was a highlight of these competitions, it was always the sailing environment that served as the basis for which ones were my favourite. Overall, my favourite would be Tasmania as the waterways and landscapes were beautiful and travelling to these nationals and around the state will always be a highlight of my life.

Please say ‘hi’ and make her feel welcome next time you are down at the club.

Makenzie skippering a Flying 11 (left) and crewing on a Cherub (right)

Term 1 Courses start 15 & 16th February - Book now!

Enjoyed our Term 4 courses or a Summer Holiday Camp? We now have 8 more weeks starting this February!

The dates for each course are listed below:

For Saturdays (12:30-2:30pm)

Week 1: 15 February 2025

Week 2: 22 February

Week 3: 1 March

Week 4: 8 March

Week 5: 15 March

Week 6: 22 March

Week 7: 29 March

Week 8: 5 April

For Sundays (9am-12:30pm)

Week 1: 16 February 2025

Week 2: 23 February

Week 3: 2 February

Week 4: 9 February

Week 5: 16 March

Week 6: 23 March

Week 7: 30 March

Week 8: 6 April

Our Term 1 Program includes:

Saturday/Sunday Kids Start Sailing 1

Ideal for: Kids 7 - 15 years of age who have never sailed before. We start form the basics with a structured syllabus.

Saturday/Sunday Kids Start Sailing 2

Ideal for: Kids 7 - 15 years of age who have completed Start Sailing 2 and are keen to progress their skills.

Sunday Kids Better Sailing

Ideal for: Kids 10 - 15 years of age who have graduated from Start Sailing 1 & 2. Skills based course, without the racing element.

Sunday Kids Start Racing

Ideal for: Kids 10 - 15 years of age who have completed earlier courses and wish to pursue racing. Learn the basics of a sailing race and participate in your first official race!

We're excited to announce that we have introduced a teens and adult program this term!

Saturday/Sunday Teens Better Sailing

Ideal for: who have done SS1 and SS2 and are competent helming the boat on their own.

Saturday/ Sunday Adults Start Sailing 1

Ideal for: Adults who have never sailed before

Saturday/ Sunday Adults Start Sailing 2

Ideal for: Adults who have done a little bit of sailing before

Need assistance with booking or have any questions about a course structure? We are available to assist!

Young sailors enjoying their weekend sailing lessons in Watsons Bay, Sydney.

Summer Holiday Camps - Having fun despite the weather!

Last week’s Holiday Camp was a success, despite the varying weather. On the first day, we used a Pacer, Optimists (Optis), and 1 Sabot for adventure sailing. The kids had fun learning how to control the boat and understanding the basics of sailing.

On the second and third days, we organised skills based on-shore activities. Including tacking practice using a Sabot, relay races with the Optis, and paddleboarding. The Opti relay races required the kids to rig 3 Optimists, sail them around a buoy, and back. This was followed by a paddleboard relay race that included tying a figure-eight knot midway through. To wrap things up, we ran rigging races on the beach using two Pacers. You can check out the timelapse below!

Overall, The kids had heaps of fun engaging in the activities we had to offer!

By Head Coach, Jack O'Loughlin

To view photos taken from our holiday camps please visit our Google Drive link here

Videos from 2024/25 Sabot Nationals!

Check out these short videos from Sabot Nationals!

Alex Palmer Sabot Week

Congratulating all competitors who competed in the 61st Australian Sabot National Championships and Alex Palmer Sabot Week. Both events were hosted by Drummoyne Sailing Club.

All six zones competed, Southern NSW & Northern NSW Sabot Sailing Association, North Queensland Sabot Association, South Queensland Sabot Association Victorian Sabot Sailing Association and Tasmanian Sabot Sailing Association.

Summer Holiday Camps - Don't miss out!

We have two more weeks left for our Summer Holiday Camps!

Week 4: Monday 13th January - Friday 17th January 2025

Week 5: Monday 20th January - Friday 24th January 2025

Holiday camps are the perfect way for kids of various sailing ability to have fun on the water! If you’re keen to join the fun, hit the link below to book.

If you have any questions and/or need assistance with signing up, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Term 1 Courses are now open! Sign up before it's too late!

Enjoyed our Term 4 courses or a Summer Holiday Camp? We now have 8 more weeks starting this February!

The dates for each course are listed below:

For Saturdays (12:30-2:30pm)

Week 1: 15 February 2025

Week 2: 22 February

Week 3: 1 March

Week 4: 8 March

Week 5: 15 March

Week 6: 22 March

Week 7: 29 March

Week 8: 5 April

For Sundays (9am-12:30pm)

Week 1: 16 February 2025

Week 2: 23 February

Week 3: 2 February

Week 4: 9 February

Week 5: 16 March

Week 6: 23 March

Week 7: 30 March

Week 8: 6 April

Our Term 1 Program includes:

Saturday/Sunday Kids Start Sailing 1

Ideal for: Kids 7 - 15 years of age who have never sailed before

Saturday/Sunday Kids Start Sailing 2

Ideal for: Kids 7 - 15 years of age who have done a little bit of sailing before

We're excited to announce that we have introduced a teens and adult program this term!

Saturday/Sunday Teens Better Sailing

Ideal for: who have done SS1 and SS2 and are competent helming the boat on their own.

Saturday/ Sunday Adults Start Sailing 1

Ideal for: Adults who have never sailed before

Saturday/ Sunday Adults Start Sailing 2

Ideal for: Adults who have done a little bit of sailing before

Need assistance with booking or have any questions? We are available to assist!

Young sailors enjoying their weekend sailing lessons in Watsons Bay, Sydney.

Commodore's Comments

We would appreciate your support on Social Media!
We need your help to get the word out about our amazing club! Like, comment, and share our posts to boost our rankings. The more love we get online, the more people learn about the incredible things happening here.

Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BTGtBxmfh/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Southern NSW Zone Shines at Sabot Nationals

By Emma, Southern NSW Zone Sabot Captain

I was incredibly honored to be chosen as the Southern NSW Zone Sabot Captain for the recent nationals. While I was a bit disappointed with my personal performance on the water, I’m thrilled to share that our team had an outstanding overall result. Thanks to the combined points of our top six sailors, the Southern NSW Zone emerged as National Champions!

Vaucluse sailors put in a fantastic effort, with Sol Golovsky leading the team, followed by myself, and then Lachlan Keyte and Jones Baker. A special shoutout to Lachlan and Jones, who both competed in their very first Nationals—what an amazing effort from them!

I’d also like to highlight young Talia Golovsky, who stepped in at the last minute for the Green Fleet Sabot Week in the 2-Up division (two sailors in one boat) with a local Drummoyne girl. Despite the short notice, they sailed brilliantly, learnt so much, and even came away with first place on handicap in their division. Incredible results!

Congratulations to everyone who competed. For the full list of results, check out the link below:
Sabot Nationals results

Presentation night & Southern NSW Zone team photo

Commodore's Address

Hi Va12sc crew!

I hope everyone had an awesome Christmas and is kicking off the New Year with a bang! The day I’m writing this feels like a great one, so fingers crossed the night turns out just as awesome.

It was fantastic to see so many of you making the most of the club on Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve. Remember, this club is yours, so let’s keep it in top shape and enjoy it for years to come!

Now, a quick bit of housekeeping:

• Please leave the club just as you found it. Last weekend, Lionel’s locker and the kitchen were left open. Since the club can be accessed from the water, it’s super important to lock everything up when you’re done.

• On December 29, a group of people climbed onto the deck and jumped off the deck and ladder. Unfortunately, the ladder got damaged. If you spot this happening, kindly ask them to stop—we all need to pitch in to keep our club in great shape.

Club members out watching the Sydney to Hobart start on boxing day

Holiday Camps Are Here!

Exciting news! Holiday camps are kicking off soon. If you’re keen to join the fun, hit the link for more information and to book your spot: https://www.va12sc.org.au/holiday-camps.

Sydney to Hobart Update (see Below)
Don’t miss the latest from our club members who tackled the legendary Sydney to Hobart race—read on below for all the action and results!

Sabot Nationals Day 1 - including commodores comments on Facebook link (see Below) 
Here’s to an epic start to 2025! 

Geoff

Sydney to Hobart: Triumphs and Tribute

For a Sydney Harbour sailing club like ours, there’s no event more significant than the Sydney to Hobart. This year’s race brought both triumph and tragedy, reminding us of the highs and lows of this incredible sport.

Firstly, we want to send our deepest condolences to the families and crews of the two sailors we tragically lost during the race. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.

On a brighter note, we’re thrilled to celebrate some amazing achievements by our club community:

• Coach Sophia deserves a massive shout-out for her outstanding performance—huge congrats on being part of the Ragtime Crew, 36 overall and 2nd in Div 3 IRC. 

• Jules Hall, a former committee member, sailed Disko Trooper - Contender Sailcloth to an incredible second place in their division. Jules is no stranger to success, having previously won the division. Guess those Flying 11 days prepared him well!

• A special congratulations to Sam Haynes, my personal mentor in business, who claimed the prestigious Tattersall Cup for the overall win. Watching his journey from sailing a humble Cav 28 to conquering oceans around the world—and now winning the biggest trophy not once, but twice—is truly inspiring.

Of course, not every story ends in victory. We also share the disappointment of Comanche Master Lock’s retirement. This legendary boat, with its long connection to the Winning family and our club, has been a proud part of many races. Here’s to next year and another shot at glory!

The Sydney to Hobart always reminds us why we love sailing—its challenges, its triumphs, and the way it brings us together.

Fair winds,

Geoff

Sabot Nationals 2024/25: Off to a Flying Start!

What an awesome start to the Sabot Nationals! Our club is proudly represented by four sailors in the main fleet:

• Emma Badger (Captain of the Southern Zone Team)

• Sol Golovsky

• Lachlan Keyte

• Jones Baker

And in the Junior Green Fleet, we’ve got Talia Golovsky making waves!

There’s plenty more to come, so stay tuned for detailed updates in next week’s newsletter. In the meantime, don’t forget to follow our Facebook page for photos, results, and live updates.

Left: Team Vaucluse parents out on the water supporting our sailors! Middle: Sabot sailors, Sol, Jones, Emma and Lachlan

Help Us Shine on Social Media!
We need your help to get the word out about our amazing club! Like, comment, and share our posts to boost our rankings. The more love we get online, the more people learn about the incredible things happening here.

Speaking of social media, check out my vlogs on Facebook! The latest one takes you onto the water for Race 1, where I had the chance to chat with Makenzie Mayne, our soon-to-be head coach, who was out there coaching the Sabot Southern Zone Team.

The Nationals wrap up on Friday, January 3, so let’s cheer on our sailors and celebrate their efforts. Go team Va12sc! You can view their race results here.

Catch you online,

Geoff

January Summer Holiday Camps - Book now!

Our December holiday camps were a great success! With many enthusiastic young sailors enjoying their time on the harbour! The camps featured adventures to Clifton Gardens and Shark Island, as well as swimming and paddle boarding when they weren’t out sailing.

If you loved our December camps—or missed out—don’t worry! Our January holiday camps are just around the corner, with limited spots available. Our first week kicks off Monday January 6th! 

Holiday Camps are perfect for first time sailors and more experienced sailors alike, as our coaching team tailors the course content to the level of the sailors enrolled. Members and non-members are welcome, from ages 7+ (although members do receive a discount!) Choose your camp duration from 3, 4 or 5 days from our dates below:

Week 3: Monday 6th January - Friday 10th January 2025

Week 4: Monday 13th January - Friday 17th January 2025

Week 5: Monday 20th January - Friday 24th January 2025

All information about the Summer Holiday Camps can be found on the club website here.

Should you have any inquires about the Sumer Holiday Camps or require assistance booking

Our December Summer Holiday Camp participants out on the water

Term 4 Season Wrap!

It’s that time of year when the term has flown by, the club has been busy Saturdays and Sundays non stop since late September. Our sailing school has operated Friday (after school), Saturday and Sunday accommodating our ongoing relationship with Kambala, on Saturdays and welcoming Reddam on Friday afternoons. We are also delighted to have welcomed water front Yoga into the club program with Cara of Inner Space Yoga joining the team.

Race fleet news 

Top Left: Our Sabot fleet out racing

Middle: Impromptu end of year celebration

Right: Our Flying 11s racing

15th December marked the final week of our 2024 sailing season. Many thanks go to our dedicated families who make these days possible and allow the final days to be fun. A small celebration was held on this last day with those present enjoying the treats and food on offer. Many thanks to Anna Story for coordinating and making the impromptu celebration successful! 

Highlights from this term:

• Flying 11 and Sabot fleets on water every week

• 2 Club Championship races completed

• Sabot Nationals training camp (Drummoyne)

• Sabot sailors participation in Round 1 State Regatta 

• Flying 11 development camp (Vaucluse) 

Our fleet has been on the water every week, in all conditions. We have welcomed new sailors into our race fleet building the base for future partnerships, where the kids are learning to cooperate and manage the boats together.

Upcoming: Sabot Nationals

Our Sabot fleet will compete at the Sabot Nationals, hosted by Drummoyne Sailing Club, from 28th December to 3rd January. Spectators are welcome—Drummoyne has arranged a boat for those who want to experience the excitement of junior regattas. Join us to cheer on Team Vaucluse!   

Sailing School  

Our October Sailing School camp enjoying the Sydney Harbour view with a pod of dolphins!

Our sailing school has been busy running learn to sail programs since September, kicking off with holiday camps and continuing through the first half of our sailing season on Saturdays and Sundays. The school program operates in accordance with Australian Sailing guidance with the curriculum and program tailored to the competency of students and conditions of the day.  

Sincere thanks to all our coaches for their ongoing efforts in the smooth operation of the sailing school. Our Summer Holiday Camps kicked off in early December and will continue through January.

Booking are now open for January Camps commencing from 6th January 2025. The camps are always fun and provide a great opportunity to spend time on water and build friendships. Booking can be made online here; or email sailingschool@va12sc.org.au for any enquiries.

Lastly, we wish everyone a safe and happy summer holidays, see you in 2025!

Introducing sunrise and morning yoga in our club!

This season, our club welcomes Cara of Inner Space Yoga for sunrise and morning yoga sessions.  Everyone is welcome, from complete beginners to well-seasoned practitioners.  

New yogis will almost immediately feel the benefits of practicing yoga, including increased energy, flexibility, strength, and general health. Yoga also cultivates peace of mind, relaxation, and a greater capacity to move through life with more mindfulness and ease.  Find out more information on her website here. Yoga sessions will run throughout the year making best use of the beautiful spaces that our club house has on offer.

Commodore's Address

Well, how did we get to December already? Time flies when you're having fun on the water, and what a journey it’s been so far! Firstly, I’d like to offer a big apology for the silence over the last six weeks. Unfortunately, we've had some technical hiccups that meant no Kutti News. But the good news is, we've fixed the issue, and we’re back and better than ever!

The last six weeks have been busy and full of growth at VA12SC, and we are absolutely thrilled about all the progress. Our sailors are improving by leaps and bounds. Five of our talented sailors competed in the Sabots States, and while we couldn’t get any starters for the Flying 11 States this year, we’re gearing up for round 2 in February! We’ve also seen our Flying 11 fleet grow by one boat, and we’re currently in the market for a few new Pacers.

Above: Team Vaucluse sabot sailors participating in the sabot states at Drummoyne Sailing club

Looking ahead, we’re excited to announce a brand new Senior School Sailing Program for Kambala, launching next year. Our goal is to have us ready and raring to go for Interschools by Term 4, 2025!

However, there is one thing we didn’t quite manage to achieve this year—a full social calendar. I sincerely apologize for this, but as they say, many hands make light work. The committee has been working overtime to keep things running, but we need your help! If you have a few spare hours each week, we would love to have more volunteers to help us keep the momentum going and achieve our goals. Please get in touch if you’re able to pitch in!

This weekend marks the last week of sailing for the year, and then we’ll be heading into holiday camps until further notice. Don’t forget, Yoga at sunrise at the club has been a huge hit, and current members can still use the club over the break. Let me know if you’re interested!

Before I sign off, I have one final special request: Please, if you’re on Facebook or Instagram, show some love by liking Va12SC’s pages and engaging with our posts. We really need your support to help rebuild this fantastic club of ours.

Thank you all for your continued passion and support—let’s make next year even bigger and better!

Cheers,
Geoff

Left: Commodore Geoff

Top middle: Kambala Junior School girls attentively listening during a briefing

Bottom middle and right: Kids enjoying their time on the water with our Flying 11s and Pacers

Summer Holiday Camps - Book now!

With this fabulous weather, we are receiving many Summer Holiday Camp bookings!

There are still places available for the camp starting next week Monday 16th December! No worries if you are going away in December, our camps are running all through January.

Holiday Camps are perfect for first time sailors and more experienced sailors alike, as our coaching team tailors the course content to the level of the sailors enrolled. Members and non-members are welcome, from ages 7+ (although members do receive a discount!) Choose your camp duration from 3, 4 or 5 days from our dates below:

Week 2: Monday 16 December - Friday 20th December 2024

Week 3: Monday 6th January - Friday 10th January 2025

Week 4: Monday 13th January - Friday 17th January 2025

Week 5: Monday 20th January - Friday 24th January 2025

All information about the Summer Holiday Camps can be found on the club website here.

Should you have any inquires about the Sumer Holiday Camps or require assistance booking

A Taste of Thai

Sabot Fleet hosted Member’s Dinner - This Sunday 29th October

This Sunday evening, the Sabot fleet sailors and parents will be hosting the first of this season’s member’s dinners at the club.

So, join us for a relaxing evening, watching the sun set, on the most beautiful harbour in the world. Where else would you want to be!

This dinner is Thai themed, and the menu will include Chicken Satay sticks from the bbq, Pad Thai and a Thai Chicken Curry. All should be fantastic!

All members welcome!

The dinner will start at 6pm.

Adults: $20

Kids (17 and under): $10

Families (2 adults, up to 3 kids) $50

To help with catering it would be great if you can purchase tickets in advance:

Purchase tickets here

Tickets can also be purchased on the night.

Beer and wine will be available for sale on the night.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

23/24 Club Merchandise

VA12SC season 23/24 club T shirts are now available!

There is only a limited number of these beauties, so get in quick. Once they're gone... you'll have to wait 'til 24/25!

Pre order now for $25, or buy at the club for $30 if they're still available!

Don't be the one at the club without one! Available in White or Royal Blue.

Collection from club canteen.

T Shirts can be purchased here

click here for sizing info

Club Champs - Heat 2 this Sunday

Heat 2 of this season’s Club Championship is on this Sunday!

Sabots and Flying 11s will be racing in races 3 and 4 of the championship, with first start for the sabots at 11am, and first start for the Flying 11s at 2pm.

Wind is looking great, with a seabreeze forecast to build throughout the day, 10kn for the first Sabot start, building to 18-20kn from the NE for the Flying 11 racing. Should be great racing!

Get to the club early and get your gear ready!

Current Sabot Club Champ standings:

You can see all Results here