An Introduction and History
The Australian Sailing and Cruising Club was established to encourage and develop boating within the gay and lesbian community throughout Australia, as well as to put enthusiasts in touch, and give other people a chance to just float around in the sun - all in the company of like minded people.
The Club was originally mooted in early 1991 by a group of regular yachties who got together whilst anchored off one of the beautiful beaches in Sydney Harbour. A few keen boaties decided to seriously try to start an Australian gay sailing club. The Sydney Star Observer agreed to print an article on the proposal, and invited interested men and women to attend our inaugural meeting at the Unicorn Hotel in Paddington, on the first Friday in July, 1991. This proved a great success and since then the Club has become properly structured with our own Commodore and committee members. This committee meets regularly to look after the general business of the Club as well as to organise and oversee events. We encourage input from all our members to helping us organise new events, trips away, and socialising.
We have been successful in becoming affiliated with the Yachting Association of NSW. We believe we are the first openly gay sporting association to be recognised (at least in Australia) by its controlling sports body. We now aim to race even more competitively in sailing events, including offshore events.
One of our main events is the Mardi Gras Regatta, which we now run in Elliott 5.9s hired from the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia's Youth Training Academy.
First run with only four S80 yachts in 1992, this event has grown to be very popular, winning Mardi Gras "Best Sporting Event" award in 1997. Partly because of the success of this event, sailing was accepted as a new sport for the 2002 Gay Games in Sydney, an event hosted by the ASCC.
The Club now has over 100 fully paid members (of which about 25% are women) from all over Australia, and is continuing to grow.
Experience required?
NO! Just an interest in boats - many of our members got their feet wet the first time just sailing around with us and having a drink, whilst there are other salty old dogs in the Club who have been cruising for years! If you decide that you would like to know more about sailing or power boating you can attend one of our "orientation" days.
Meetings and Events
The Club now holds regular monthly meetings at the Mr Mary's, Redfern, on the third Tuesday of every month. All are welcome to attend these meetings where members can raise issues, and catch up on the latest on-water and on-shore events planned. Come to the meeting and join us for a beer or glass of wine. This is the ideal time to come along and meet us and perhaps chat up a boat owner for a ride, or to add your name to the crew list for our next race or other event. We usually hold our races on the Sunday following our meetings.
Confidentiality
A lot of our members are very up front about promoting the Club and its activities to all and sundry, however if individual members prefer, privacy is observed and we withhold their details from any membership lists we may have. Members names are not passed outside the Club.
Club Notes
Our regular monthly newsletter which aims to inform all members of up and coming events as well as any good gossip! Contributions are always welcome.
How do I join?
Easy! Come along to our next meeting(any third Tuesday of any month) or telephone, write, or email the contact details in these pages. We will provide you with further information and a membership application.