On Saturday 21 October, Lilydale Sailing Club had the honour of hosting Aaron Violi MP and his family, along with Yarra Ranges Councillor Sophie Todorov, during an open day event marking the official launch of their new safety boat.
The funding for the new boat was generously provided through Violi’s Stronger Communities Grants Program.
Eager volunteers and club members were up bright and early, ensuring their fleet of Sailing Dinghies was rigged and ready for a day of thrilling sailing. Following a brief introductory tour of Lillydale Lake aboard the powered safety boat, the time had come to set sail.
Despite the challenging gusty conditions, it was a day of exciting adventure on the water, appealing to participants of all ages. During the sailing experience, Violi had the unique opportunity to witness the new safety boat in action as dedicated volunteers swiftly came to the aid of a junior sailor facing a minor rigging issue caused by a particularly strong gust. Undeterred by the mishap, the young sailor, 13-year-old Obie, couldn’t contain his enthusiasm as he called out across the docks, “That was awesome! Can I go out again?”
As the winds settled into a more predictable pattern, a glorious day on the water unfolded, enjoyed by all. Lilydale Sailing Club, renowned for its community-focused approach, welcomed curious members of the public to explore the thrill of sailing. The day concluded with a spirited competition and an impromptu race, fittingly won by the Club’s enthusiastic Commodore and Sailing Instructor, Steve Beitzel.
Lilydale Sailing Club has a storied history of offering accessible sailing opportunities to the community. The club’s fleet of 303 ‘Access Dinghies’ was established for the purpose of running a Sailability Program, providing a unique chance for vulnerable and mobility-impaired individuals to experience the joy of sailing.
Embracing the motto ‘Sailing for Everyone’ a devoted group of volunteers continues to extend these opportunities to the broader community. The club offers social sailing days for club members and individuals of all ages and abilities, in addition to its popular ‘After School Sailing’ program on Tuesday afternoons, catering to school-aged sailors.
As a not-for-profit club, Lilydale Sailing Club is entirely run by volunteers and a dedicated committee. With the sailing season now officially underway, the club warmly encourages the community to connect via their Facebook page and experience the thrill of sailing firsthand. In the words of Commodore Steven Beitzel, “Whether you’ve always sailed, or you have never sailed, everyone is welcome at Lilydale Sailing Club.”
