The Southern Highlands Sailing Club, established in 1978, is located in Fitzroy Falls, NSW, Australia. The club meets every Sunday from October to April, from 10. 30am to 4. 30pm, at Fitzroy Falls Dam on the Nowra Road.
Sailing and rowing boats are both welcome at the club. The club area offers BBQ facilities, toilets, and a nearby playground. To participate in the club's activities, a membership fee for a day or a season is required.
The club conducts mixed fleet races at 1pm and 3pm on a weekly basis. Competitors have the opportunity to contend for the Commodore's Cup and a Point Score series on Yardstick. All classes of dinghy, catamaran, and trailer-sailer are welcome at the Southern Highlands Sailing Club. Some commonly seen boats at the club include Hobie 16 & 18, Nacra 5.
8 & 14sq, Laser, Spiral, Windrush, and Maricat. For further information on the club's activities, visit their Facebook page.
The Southern Highlands Sailing Club has a rich history, now entering its 34th year. The club was formed in 1978, and its inaugural season in 1978/79 was a great success. Bryan Fryer was elected as the first Commodore, and Robert Jones served as the Secretary. Membership fees back then were $10 for individuals and $10 for boat registration.
The current committee, led by Commodore Greg Longhurst, has been actively working on increasing membership, resulting in an influx of new highland residents and families with teenagers and young children.
The club has around 40 members, and approximately a dozen boats race regularly. The dominant fleet at the club is the Multihull division, with Nacras, Windrushes, Maricats, and Hobies. The Olympic Laser class is the preferred Monohull choice. Close racing can be witnessed among the catamaran skippers who consistently provide a good challenge to the Laser sailors.
The club's handicap system ensures competitive contests for the winners of the Commodore's Cup and Point Score trophies.
The Southern Highlands Sailing Club welcomes new members of all ages, shapes, and sizes. Safety on the water is ensured by the club's rescue boat. Individuals with a current Boat Licence are encouraged to participate in maintaining a safe aquatic environment for all. Families and young residents are specifically invited to join the “Sailing Club in the Clouds”.
The peak season for the club is during the Christmas holidays when the weather is warmer and families gather for picnics on the shoreline.