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Race officer training kicks starts Yachting Victoria’s new major grass roots initiative
Twenty four yacht club race officers from ten clubs helped kick start Yachting Victoria’s exciting new $400,000 Go Sailing & Boating grass roots development program, when they became the first to undertake special race management training this month (22-23 January 2007).Conducted at the Hobsons Bay Yacht Club, the training was designed for club and state officials to develop their on water race management skills and qualifications. It was presented by leading international race officer, judge and race manager Kevin Wilson and his brother Ross who is a race manager and member of Yachting Victoria’s Race Rules Committee. Clubs who sent officers to the training included Albert Sailing, Black Rock, Chelsea, Mordialloc, Ocean Racing, Port Melbourne, Royal Brighton, Royal Geelong, Royal Melbourne and Sandringham Yacht Club. Ross Wilson says "With the growth and increased complexity of major events such as Sail Melbourne, Skandia Geelong Week and next summer’s 470, 49ers and 29ers world championships and the Finn Gold Cup being staged on Port Phillip, Victorian yachting needs many more trained and experienced officers." As part of the program’s stage one plans, Yachting Victoria aims to attract and train an additional 30 race officers up to state race management standard over the next six months to meet the need. Race officer training is one component of the Victorian State Government funded Go Sailing & Boating program that is to be shared amongst member clubs, class associations and volunteers across the state. Go Sailing & Boating Program Launch Another key stage one component is the Program Launch that the new Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth affairs the Hon James Merlino has been invited to speak at. It is scheduled for 6 pm on February 12th at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron and all Member Club commodores, flag officers and race directors are invited to attend.This program is being managed by Yachting Victoria and will roll out through 2007-2008. Yachting Victoria’s CEO, Ross Kilborn says, "The objective for the Go Sailing & Boating program is to establish a stronger grass roots base for the future growth of our clubs and the sport." The newly appointed program manager Johnny Rodgers says, "As key part of the start up phase, Yachting Victoria is undertaking a state wide survey of member clubs to take a snap shot of current levels of participation, scheduled activity and other important industry measurements, that will ascertain the level the of demand and need for the Go Sailing & boating program." The new $400,000 State government funding over two years for the Go Sailing & Boating program, means that all Victorian yacht clubs, volunteers, recognised classes and Sailability programmes can at no cost. Go Sailing & Boating program at a glanceRace management Coaching: Improving the performance of Victorian sailors in national and international competition, and increase member retention at clubs by increasing grass roots coaching capacity and programmes at clubs and recognised classes. Instructor: Increasing participation in the sport by increasing instructor skills and capacity. Participation programs: Increase the level of junior sailing, Tackers, Schools Teams Racing, Sailability, general sailing and boating education to attract increased numbers from all ages in the community. More Info: www.yachtingvictoria.com.au Johnny Rodgers – Program Manager Ph 03 9597 0066 Button 4Ross Kilborn CEO Yachting Victoria Ph 03 9597 0066 Button 6 Media: Mike Sabey – Sabey & Associates Ph 95 33 8030 or 0418 354 732 |
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