Can I learn to sail at Speers Point Amateur Sailing Club?

 

Yes, you can learn to sail at our club! We run ~10 week learn to sail courses for adults and older children (+14 y.o.) usually twice per season, as well as a staged training programs for younger children starting from the very beginning. Find out more here.

​

Do I need to be a member to visit your clubhouse?

 

No, the club is open to visitors, we suggest you call into our clubhouse any Saturday from 12 midday (we sail most Saturdays from September through to April each year) to have a chat with our team.

 

We are also open on Friday nights during daylight saving for twilight sailing races. The bar is open from around 5.00pm and we have meals as well very reasonably priced - all welcome! Come along and watch the racing in Cockle Bay from the clubhouse balcony!

​

Does SPASC accommodate families?

 

Yes! We are a friendly, family-oriented club with a clubhouse in Speers Point Park. The park features plenty of activities for non-sailing family members such as an open-air Olympic pool, parklands, walking paths, a jetty and a large enclosed children’s playground. Family membership is available at the club for up to two parents and three children to all be members at a package rate.

​

Do I need to be a member to sail at SPASC?

 

No, it is not necessary for you to join the club immediately as we would prefer you spent some time ensuring our club meets your needs. Visitors who can sail can participate paying a per session race fee sailing on their own boat. If you want to hire a club boat you would normally sign up for a racing program for the season or for our twilights series. Training options are found here. For more information please contact us to discuss.

 

When would I be required to become a SPASC member?

 

Australian Sailing have created an initiative called ‘SailPass’, that provides 

temporary membership and insurance for you to sail and race at our club over three Saturdays before becoming a SPASC member. After that you would like to keep sailing at SPASC we need you to become a member of our club.

​

As our club is 'Amateur' that means we are run by volunteers - our members! We are always looking for help so if you are not a sailor but would like to help out please drop down and say hello. Most of our members are sailors of course and it is never too early or too late to take up sailing, or return to it after a time away from the water. There is nothing like the power of the wind!

 

What classes of boats sail at SPASC?

 

In addition to our training fleet of Optimist dinghies, O'pen skiffs and Laser/ILCAs, we have members of our club who sail a broad range of dinghies (including Tasars and Lasers), and catamarans (including F18's, Nacra 5.8s, A Classes & Arrows) participating in Saturday afternoon races. Twilights are dominantly Lasers and O'pen Skiffs.

 

Do I need to own a boat to sail at SPASC?

 

Not to start with, but with time we encourage our sailors to buy their own boats so we can keep training new people in our great sport, and everyone can progress along with their own sailing journey.

 

We have a number of club boats that can be chartered when available to develop your sailing skills, whether during racing or just for practice, subject to our training program boat availability. Alternatively we may be able to arrange for you to crew on one of our member’s boats. Please contact us to arrange a booking or come down to the club on a Saturday during the season (early Sept to ANZAC day).

​

Can SPASC assist me in buying a boat?

 

Yes, we would be pleased to assist you with advice around that process. Please contact us and we'll find the right member to help advise you or you may wish to visit our Boats for Sale page.

 

Can I store my boat at the SPASC clubhouse?

 

SPASC has very limited space remaining for boat storage and then only for boats raced regularly. Currently the clubhouse storage is full.

 

How often does SPASC hold races?

 

The SPASC season usually runs from early September until April. Our Twilight Series occurs on Friday afternoons during daylight savings from early October between 5:30 and 7:00 pm for single-handed, off-the-beach dinghies. Club Pointscore and Club Championship races are held nearly every Saturday, commencing at 2 pm.

 

What boat rigging & launching facilities are provided at SPASC?

 

We have ample parking, a large, grassed rigging area and two wide ramps either side of the club for launching and retrieving dinghies and catamarans using beach-trolleys and a third narrower boat ramp for larger sailing boats using trailers.

 

Does SPASC provide ‘Learn to Sail’ classes?

 

SPASC provides both Adult and Junior Learn to Sail Programs and is accredited by Australian Sailing to provide Discover Sailing courses.

 

If you are an adult interested in learning the art of sailing, please visit our RevolutioniseSport website for the latest information.

 

What is the process for becoming a SPASC member?

 

Once you have met the team and feel that SPASC suits your needs, please register for membership through our RevolutioniseSport website pages. The committee will then progress your membership.

​

What is the Active Kids program?

​

The Active Kids program provides two $100 vouchers for parents, guardians and carers of school-enrolled children to use towards sport and active recreation costs each year. Should you be interested in applying for a voucher, please talk to a committee member who will facilitate the process.

 

How do I find the SPASC clubhouse?

 

We are located off The Esplanade at Speers Point, adjacent to Speers Point Park & Swim Centre at the northern end of Lake Macquarie. Please refer to the map for directions, or just plug it into google and come on down!

 

What other facilities does SPASC provide?

 

SPASC has a canteen upstairs in our clubhouse that provides hot and cold lunches, soft drinks and tea/coffee each race day with fantastic views over the lake.

 

We also run bar facilities on Friday nights during daylight savings and offer simple yet inexpensive meals on Friday nights from 7pm for our sailors and visitor alike.

​