Sailing and Power Boating
An adventure on the waves can be a thrilling mix of a cool wind, refreshing splashes of water and magnificent views.
If you’re under sail, you’ll tweak and trim every part of the rigging for peak performance. And, when you get it right, the boat just wants to fly!
Power Boating
Gain confidence and experience in operating a power boat or safety boat. We can even help you to qualify for a Victorian Boat Licence.
Power boating is a challenging, exciting skill that’s open to Scouts older than 12.5 years, plus Venturers, Rovers, Leaders and other adult members.
We provide theory and practice, usually over two days, plus hands-on experience on the water in a range of conditions.
Sailing
Sailing activities tailored to the different section groups are available from Cubs and older. If you simply want to give it a go, then come to one our 'Try Sailing' days or attend one of our regattas.
The Guide and Scout Water Activities Centre in Sandringham can also arrange an introductory day for your Group.
Our skills development programs are usually held over four days, and, like all water based activities, are subject to the weather. Programs include theory sessions, as well as setting sail in a variety of conditions.
Safety Boats
Here’s a really useful way to enjoy your power boating and help others. Join one of our two-day Safety Boat Operator courses to learn more about assisting people on our many waterways.
Prerequisites include:
- Power Boat Operators qualification
- Current Victorian Boat Licence
- 30 hours of logged power boat operation
We also provide the accreditation for competent power boat and safety boat operators to handle these vessels at Scouting events.
Group Leaders’ Responsibility
The Scouts Victoria Sailing and Power Boating Team is committed to maintaining and enhancing our safety record. We have effective risk assessment and risk management procedures, along with strictly enforced policies and standards.
We also have a clear chain of responsibility to ensure that the Leader in Charge of any small watercraft activity is qualified and their competency is current. It is expected as a ‘duty-of-care’ that any small boating activities will be supervised or generally overseen by Adult Leaders that are also appropriately qualified as Adventurous Activity Leaders.
The State Leader -Sailing and Power Boating – can help you gain the necessary qualifications.
To view our Risk Management and Risk Control Plan click here.
PWC Courses
The team will be offering Intro and Basic PWC courses for up to six Venturers at a time. These courses can be used for the ‘Adventure and Sport’ OAS Special Interest Area and are modelled on VET requirements for riding personal water craft. More information can be obtained by emailing gswac.bookings@scoutsvictoria.com.au.
Sea Scouts and specialised groups
Sea Scout Groups provide a program that includes adventurous water-based activities such as sailing, power boating, and canoeing during summer months and an active camping and bushcraft based program during other months, eg Stradbroke Cup, Scout Hike, Cohen Shield.
1st Victorian Sea Scouts have been enjoying the use of Albert Park Lake since 1912, while 1st Ivanhoe, established in 1908, is the oldest continuously operating Sea Scout Group in Australia.
Sea Scouting is extremely popular. Sea Scout Groups dotted around the bay attract high numbers of youth members, water based adventurous activities such as sailing, power boating, canoe / kayaking and rowing continues to provide excellent skills for our youth members. Inland Sea Scout Groups like 1st Ivanhoe and 1st Victoria have provided these opportunities for more than 100 years, and more inland Groups have formed.
Today Sea Scout Groups can be observed honing their skills on inland lakes, water catchment ponds, estuaries and around the bays.
Contact
State Leader – Sailing
David Bryar, state.sailing@scoutsvictoria.com.au