Paradise Point Sailing Club began operations in November 2008. The Club’s main goals are to introduce children, youth, families, adults, and community groups and associations to not only learn or compete in the sport of sailing but to also promote community spirit, interaction in both children and adults, offer pathways to future sporting goals, team spirit, and generally supporting our local community.
PROGRAMS. The sailing program includes Junior Learners, Junior Advanced Learners, Junior Training /Coaching Junior Club Racing, and Junior State and National Event racing. We also teach both school and community groups, and we cater for other not-for-profit associations who may want the sailing experience. Adult’s learn-to-sail, sail-training, sailing-coaching and racing are also available at the Club. Our junior sailors start at the age of five and our oldest sailors are well into their 60s.
MY ROLE. I am both president and also sailing manager. The president’s role is to promote the Club’s activities, liaise with relevant sailing bodies, organise Club events such as regattas, fundraising events, work with government departments, such as the Gold Coast City Council regarding applications, and keep up-to-date with relevant rules and regulations that govern sailing.
As sailing manager, I design and organise all Club sailing activities, which include all junior sailing and all adult sailing, and associated water activities. I also write all necessary sailing programs and safety protocols, and teach volunteers proper rescue procedures and emergency response protocols, train new boat drivers and shore control volunteers, and oversee all on-water and on-land activities regarding participants’ health and safety.
THE CLUB’S FUTURE AND CHALLENGES. Paradise Point Sailing Club, since its small opening in 2008, has grown from five sailing boats and one rescue boat, to 35 sailing boats and three rescue vessels, allowing the Club to firstly offer even better safety but also—through our large fleet—the chance for even more children and adults to sample and become part of the sport.
Our challenges have included damaged access pontoon within the first twelve months, faulty training boats that had to be replaced after 18 months, not enough safety boats as participant numbers increased, and not enough general sailing boats to offer more youth and adults the chance to try sailing or improve their sailing skills. We initially had the inability to promote the Club due to early financial restrictions, so we relied on word-of-mouth as our advertising medium.
ON GOLD COAST SAILING. The Gold Coast has a generally mild climate, great waterways and ample viewing places scattered all along the shores. These features are beneficial factors for the spectators of the sport. Where safety is the catch-phrase, this safety is much more controllable with regard to general distances to a safe shore, and excellent views for both on-water and on-land safety personnel. Finally, our position on the Broadwater can offer parents the opportunity to watch their children sail within 80 metres of the shore and Club facilities.
PROMOTION OF SAILING. Sailing is a sport for life. It promotes not only a healthy mind and a healthy body, but also promotes friendship, harmony, and group and individual support through being part of a sailing fraternity.
Although the Club has no famous sailors either nationally or internationally, it is part of our overall goal to support any of our youth and seniors in their endeavours if they wish to follow the national or international sailing circuit.
By John Murphy, President PPSC
