Don't miss out! Discover Sailing Day 1st February!

We will be hosting another Discover Sailing Day this Saturday 1st February from 12:30pm - 2:30pm!

Discover Sailing is the perfect opportunity for your friends or family to try out sailing at our club! We provide Boats, Coaches and Lifejackets, everything you need to have a fun day out on the harbour.

All participants, kids and adults are welcome, please register to secure your place.

This event is FREE, to learn more and register visit the link here.

Week 5 Holiday Camp recap!

Week 5 Holiday Camp recap!

We kicked off the week by focusing on teaching the fundamental skills of sailing—covering the points of sail, parts of the boat, and how to rig an Opti and a Pacer. Once on the water, we sailed to Clifton Gardens and around Shark Island. The group had the opportunity to enjoy lunch, go for a swim, and spend time at the playground.

Later in the week, as the wind picked up, coaches organized onshore activities such as capsize drills, races, and relay challenges, which the group thoroughly enjoyed. On the final day, we took the group back to Clifton Gardens aboard Escort, where they had lunch and another swim.

Overall, despite the varying conditions, the week provided a perfect balance of learning, adventure, and fun, ensuring that every participant gained valuable sailing experience while making the most of their time on the water.

By Head Coach, Jack O’Loughlin

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

Left: Learning to rig a pacer Right: Having fun on the water!

Club Calendar - keep updated with all events at our club!

Our Club Calendar has a new look! Click the link below to view and add it to your google calendar.

Term 1 Courses - Register now!

Term 1 courses* commence Saturday the 15th and Sunday the 16th of February, 2025. 

*Please note to book our courses you must be a member. If you are not a member please visit this link to register. 

Term 1 2025 Sailing School Courses

Saturday afternoons (12:30pm - 2:30pm):

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. 

Kids Start sailing 2 

Ideal for: Kids 7 - 15 years of age who have completed Start Sailing 1 and are keen to progress their skills.

Teens Better Sailing 

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

Sunday mornings 9:00am - 11:30am:

Kids Start sailing 2 

Ideal for: Kids 7 - 15 years of age who have completed Start Sailing 1 and are keen to progress their skills.

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. Participants will be required to rig their own boats (with parental help) and have these ready by 9:30am. 

Adults learn to sail 

Ideal for: Adults who have never sailed before or have prior sailing experience. 

Unsure of what course you would like to participate in or need assistance with registration?

Term 1 Learn to Sail Courses - Book now!

Our Term 1 courses* will start on Saturday the 15th and Sunday the 16th of February, 2025.

*Please note to book our courses you must be a member. If you are not a member please visit this link to register.

Term 1 2025 Sailing School Courses

Saturday afternoons (12:30pm - 2:30pm):

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. 

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.

Teens Better Sailing 

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

Sunday mornings 9:00am - 11:30am:

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.

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. Participants will be required to rig their own boats (with parental help) and have these ready by 9:30am. 

Adults learn to sail 

Ideal for: Adults who have never sailed before or have prior sailing experience. 

Unsure of what course you would like to participate in or need assistance with registration?

Discover Sailing Day 1st February - Bring your friends and family!

Invite your friends and family to join us for our Discover Sailing Day on 1st February! Come see what our club has to offer! We will provide lifejackets; the only requirement is that you must be able to swim.

If you have any questions or issues completing the form.

Club Championship Race Sunday 2nd February!

Our first Club Championship race to kick off the second part of our season will be Sunday 2nd February. Looking forward to welcoming our race fleet back!

Innerspace Yoga at our Club!

Innerspace Yoga is reconvening with a full program in 2025. Sunrise sessions start at 6 AM and 9:30 AM, check out the program here.  

Our club is proving to be a magical spot for Yoga practice and the feedback received so far has been positive. I attended a session with Cara and have booked myself in for more. Cara is awesome and it doesn't matter if you are a beginner or just returning like me, it’s fun refreshing, challenging and energising.

Vice Commodore Sally Badger

Photos from Holiday Camps!

We have uploaded all photos and videos taken from our Summer Holiday Camps to a Google Drive folder! Click the link below to view them!

Week 5 Holiday Camp participants having fun on the water!

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 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.

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

Saturday Teens Better Sailing

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

Sunday Adults Learn to Sail

Ideal for: Adults who have never sailed before or have prior sailing experience

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 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 Teens Better Sailing

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

Sunday Adults Learn to Sail

Ideal for: Adults who have never sailed before or have prior experience

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

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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