Upgrades to rescue boats serving the Gippsland Lakes – and expansion of local ‘learn to sail’ programs – have received Federal Government funding.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester announced $20,000 for the Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club to replace the motors on its two rescue boats and purchase a fleet of training dinghies.
“The club will purchase two much-needed 60HP motors for the main rescue boat, Rescue One, which will allow the club to meet Australian Sailing regulations and provide suitable rescue craft for training, racing, regattas and general sailing on the Gippsland Lakes,” Mr Chester said.
“Rescue One is essential for the continued success of sailing events on the Gippsland Lakes including state and national championship regattas, Raymond Island Good Friday Appeal Sail, Metung and Paynesville Swim and Marlay Point Overnight Yacht Race.
“In addition, Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club will replace the motor on its smaller safety boat and purchase new dinghies to expand rescue and coaching programs for children and people with disabilities learning to sail.”
Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club is providing matching funding for the rescue boat upgrades and expansion of the learn to sail program.
Commodore Wendy Gardiner said the rescue boat upgrades were essential for the club to adequately support local sailing events and club members.
Ms Gardiner said the purchase of training Dinghies would allow the club to expand its learn to sail programs to schools across the region.
“The new dinghies will enable us to offer sailing training to schools across Gippsland, whereas we are currently limited to three weeks of sailing training for Paynesville Primary School using borrowed boats,” Ms Gardiner said.
“No other yacht club in Gippsland has an accredited Discover Sailing Centre or fleet of suitable dinghies to conduct this type of training, yet it is commonplace in other regions across Victoria and Australia.
“We are fortunate to live on the banks of one of the most picturesque lakes in the country and we need to capitalise on our assets and provide opportunities for young people in the community.”
