Screens keeping racing sailors engaged
RACING at Royal Geelong Yacht Club may have changed forever as the club shifts its regattas to the virtual world.
With COVID-19 sidelining any real life regattas in recent months, Corio Bay has been left empty but that hasn’t slowed down keen sailors.
The 161-year-old club has hosted Wednesday and Sunday e-regattas online, drawing in many people who either haven’t raced on water before, or haven’t mastered new technology.
Club member Steve Hassell is part of the team that has signed up and said it was a great way to keep sharp, given the virtual races include normal racing obstacles such as wind and water conditions.
“The e-regattas have been a great chance to keep sailing and sharper up our strategic skills while providing the opportunity to stay connected with other members of the club,” Hassell said.
“There is a real equal playing field with both young and more mature sailors logging in to join the fun.”
Given the costs of getting into sailing, the free program is giving some a chance to taste the sport before considering taking it up in real life.
The club has considered making the virtual races part of its calendar going forward, or just as a way to keep up fun inside the clubrooms once coronavirus passes.
“It is very easy to register and play for free while gaining an understanding of yacht racing without having to get wet,” Hassell said.
Potential new participants in the e-regattas are welcome to contact the club for more information.