Beaches COVERED. Issue 34 Spring Style

The Yes Boat

SKIFFIES’ GENEROUS OFFER

THERE’S NO HIDING FROM THE FACT. SAILING IS A WONDERFULLY EXHILARATING SPORT BUT THE EXCITEMENT CAN QUICKLY FADE ONCE YOU LOOK AT YOUR BANK BALANCE. IT COSTS MONEY TO PUT A BOAT ON THE WATER AND MAINTAIN IT AND THE LAST TIME WE CHECKED, THAT CASH DOESN’T GROW ON THE LOCAL NORFOLK PINES.

Manly 16ft Skiff Sailing Club –in conjunction with its sister club at St George - is doing its part to ease the pressure on the wallet, introducing a subsidy and prizemoney package that is the envy of sailing clubs around the country.

Prizemoney for the 16ft and 13ft divisions have been given hefty increases and there are huge incentives on offer for those wishing to purchase their own boat.

The club is offering subsidies of around 25 per cent – or a touch over $20,000 - on the value of a new boat and financial assistance for the purchase of a used boat.

The subsidies cover all classes at Manly –the 16s, 13s, Flying 11s and Manly Juniors.

The club hopes that by breaking down the financial barriers, it will strengthen its existing fleet numbers and attract and retain sailors at all levels and age groups.

It’s also sends a friendly reminder the “Skiffies” is as much a sailing club as it is a venue to enjoy quality food and drink from one of the best outlooks on the Northern Beaches.

Manly’s sailing Manager, Graham Biehl, told Beaches COVERED. the subsidy scheme is open to “weekend warriors” right through to international sailors.

“The perception is it’s an expensive, elitist sport and what we’re really trying

to do is make sailing accessible to anyone and everyone who wants to participate,” he explained.

“The club is really trying to grow this program and make boats and competition sailing available to everyone through some generous subsidies and grants.

“We’re thankful the club’s got some extra funds and wants to spend in a way to help out the community. What they are offering is very generous.”

13ft Skiff Sailor Sophie Hart is one of the young sailors set to benefit from the program.

The 17-year-old schoolgirl skippers Botany Scaffold, alongside crewmate and good friend Bella Divola.

They are regular top 10 finishers at state and national level in the 13ft class, but admit their lofty ambitions are not always matched by budget.

“The perception is it’s an expensive, elitist sport and what we’re really trying to do is make sailing accessible to anyone..."

GRAHAM BIEHL, MANLY SKIFF SAILING MANAGER.

“It is a pretty expensive sport and obviously that makes things a bit more difficult for people to stay in it,” Sophie said.

“The extra prizemoney and subsidies are definitely an incentive to keep going. Knowing that you’ve got that extra assurance to be able to get through the season is very helpful.

“A lot of my friends have moved from other clubs to Manly because of the support and set-up we have here.”

Graham added the scheme will primarily target sailors looking to take their sailing to the next level.

He said: “It’s focused mainly on people who are ready to take that next step into skiff sailing or more competitive racing.”

World champion skiff sailor and victorious America’s Cup yachtsman Rob Brown is blown away by the support afforded the local sailing fraternity.

“It is great to see Manly 16s are continuing to lead the way in innovating club promotion and management,” he said.

“The standards set is admirably high. Well done to the board and management and members for supporting the initiatives.” •