Media Release
19 September 2003
Sailing is not just a sport, it’s a lifestyle - there are few activities where age is no barrier and families and friends can participate socially or competitively in adventurous activity.
This morning Yachting Australia officially launched OnBoard, a program designed to increase the number of people participating in sailing throughout Australia, while enhancing the pathway and experiences for new participants.
The launch, held at Middle Harbour Yacht Club, in Sydney, highlighted the new initiative, which aims to achieve a growth of about 25,000 new sailors per year, in its first five years of operation.
As part of the Australian Sports Commission’s Targeted Sports Participation Growth Program, The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp announced a $700,000 commitment to the OnBoard program over three years.
Yachting Australia will distribute 62% of the first years budget to participating State Yachting Associations and specifically for the appointment of State Development Officers, who will provide ongoing training and support to yacht clubs.
Yachting Australia has specified the following as some of the OnBoard goals:
- Consistently implement a range of sailing activities to bridge the current service gap between entry level/ training graduates and regular club participation and competition
- Provide clubs with the tools and development training necessary to enhance best practice in member recruitment and retention
- Improve recording and tracking of new sailors from participation to club level
The President of Yachting Australia Graeme Ainley said, ‘Yachting Australia believes the OnBoard program will enhance the pathway to participation and club membership and provide a benchmark for the delivery of sport participation programs.’
Guests at the launch witnessed Middle Harbour Yacht Club become the first club nationally to sign as an OnBoard Partner, with their state body, the Yachting Association of New South Wales.
For more information please contact:
Media – Simone Green, Media and PR Co-Ordinator
(02) 9902 2155 or 0402 278 178
OnBoard – Chris Mamo, National Development Officer
(02) 9902 2155
chris.mamo@yachting.org.au