By Gill Cooper
Old salts like Geoff Sadler, 72, love their competition sailing and can still set a fast pace out on the water.
Geoff’s graceful wooden yacht, a Herlin classic sloop built in 1936, is 10 years older than its skipper yet still features as a regular place-getter races at Royal Geelong Yacht Club.
The crew of the Lupa Wylo were able to make some smooth sharp tacks and turns in Wednesday night’s twilight sailing on Geelong harbour to come second on handicap.
Geoff said he was a relative late-comer to sailing having taking up the sport in the 1970s.
“I first sailed when I was 28 up in Port Moresby harbour and along the south east coast of Papua New Guinea with a mate,” he said.
“I’ve really enjoyed my sailing over the years. I love the social aspect. I love the fresh air and free environment. This comes with responsibilities to look after the environment and yourself.
Geoff said he has been a member at Royal Geelong Yacht Club for 13 years and has owned the Lupa Wylo for three years.
“Contrary to popular belief you don’t have to be rich to sail. Unless you want to own a maxi yacht,” he said.
“Good crew are always in demand – all skippers need at least 5-6 crew to be able to race.
“Corio Bay offers excellent sailing – it’s flat water, protected water but you still get the breeze.
“It’s great fun and we don’t go out when there’s a gale warning or its over 27 knots.”
Geoff said that he still competed in Saturday harbour racing at Geelong as well as the mid-week twilight series which will commence again in October.
“Sailing is for all ages and if you take it up when you’re young, you become naturally good at it.”
Next week’s school holidays offers the next generation of Geelong’s sailors a chance to learn how to sail. Geelong Yacht Club runs courses for kids aged four years and above.
For more information visit the club website on rgyc.com.au/learn-to-sail or phone the clubhouse on 5229 3705.
