The Sailing Industry Association of NSW (SIA) is dedicated to the promotion and development of recreational sailing.
Its prime focus is the creating and refining of key promotional activities, which target recreational sailing. Its philosophy is that the young tend to start their boating in sailing, ultimately moving on to all forms of boating and in turn, having a benefit to the entire recreational boating market.
Nine industry members make up the SIA committee, all of whom are active within the sailing industry.
The SIA has a strong partnership with Yachting NSW, which assists the SIA to achieve its objectives.
The SIA objectives are:
• To increase the public’s awareness of recreational sailing
• To implement and utilise key promotional activities to make the sport of sailing more accessible
• To encourage different markets (particularly youth) to participate in sailing activities
Key promotional activities
Sydney International Boat Show
The SIA assists extensively in the planning of the Better Boating Lounge and Classic and Historic Boat displays at the Sydney International Boat Show. The Discover Sailing Centre is under Yachting NSW stewardship answering the many questions from people looking to get into, or return to, the sport of sailing.
Try Sailing Day
The annual, free Try Sailing Day is held on the first Sunday in November with many clubs participating across NSW and ACT.
Local clubs with the generous support of volunteers open their doors to welcome people to try sailing.
This event is designed to break down the perception that boating is difficult to get into. It is primarily targeted at children, with people of all ages invited to participate. Over half of the participants had never tried sailing before.
The BIA lifejacket donation program distributes lifejackets to Try Sailing Day clubs.
Try Crewing Day
The SIA identified that sailing clubs were finding it difficult to source and retain crew to participate in club sailing. This event is designed to breakdown the perception that crewing is an expensive and difficult sport to get into.
A free Try Crewing Day pilot took place in 2009 with over 100 participants at 3 Clubs across Sydney. Try Crewing Day will become an annual event.
The Try Crewing Day starts with an ‘introduction to sailing’ classroom style presentation, then a two hour sail, concluding with a debrief BBQ with crew and skippers. All try crewers are invited back to continue their experience at Twilights and club racing. 89% indicated that they would like to continue sailing.
These activities contribute to the introduction of recreational boating and assists in the longevity and growth of the industry.
