Middle Harbour Skiffies is keen to welcome new sailors and crews to join our fleet. We can help you join in the fun!
WHAT YOU NEED:
- CREW – The most important component for successful entry to skiffs is building your own crew. Key ingredients
- Enthusiastic and committed crew – the learning curve is steep so you need everyone signed up for the season of club racing and hopefully to do some regattas & practice sessions.
- One sailor with good helm racing experience, two crew with min combined weight of 140kg preferable. All should have reasonable level of fitness and agility.
- BOAT – Your first skiff is for you to learn how to sail a skiff. It needs to be in good repair so that you do not suffer from frequent breakages. You do not need a new “front of fleet” competitive skiff, that will come after a season or two of learning how to sail and race a skiff. Appropriate second-hand boats are available on the skiff association website for $8-20K.
- HELP – MH16’s has experience and structures to help new crew’s learn and fall in love with skiff sailing:
- We’ll assign an experienced skiffie mentor to answer questions and guide your team so you quickly learn and become part of our community
- Provide a skills guide developed through our “Learn to Skiff Sail” course
- Use of Club rescue boat resources and on water coaching (prebooking and approval required)
- Financial assistance to purchase your skiff (Club board approval required)
- Potential boat shed storage for your skiff (if space is available)
WHAT YOU DON’T NEED:
- HEAPS OF MONEY – The costs of racing skiffs at MH16’s is extremely low compared to yacht racing. Start/Finish and Prize Money as well as Boat purchase assistance all make the cost of participation low.
- HEAPS OF TIME – Club racing generally starts at 2 or 2.30pm on a Saturday. Most sailors arrive on race days between noon and 1pm. Boats are normally packed up by 5pm with sailors then gathering in the bar for an enjoyable “debrief” and banter, or are free to head home.
- PRIOR SKIFF EXPERIENCE – In the last few years we have helped new crews join our fleet with sailors that have come with a wide variety of prior sailing experience. The learning curve is steep but the enjoyment, thrills and camaraderie keep the sailors coming back for more.
Take the first step, you won’t look back! CONTACT the Club on 9932 4600 or email – [email protected] and we will organise a time to meet you at the Club to start your adventure!