First timers take part in Australia's largest yachting regatta

6:42 AM Sun 25 Jan 2009 GMT

'Rotary Youth Program participants with Skandia Australia CEO, Andrew Black - Skandia Geelong Week 2009' Teri Dodds /Skandia Click Here to view large photo

Strong winds and one meter swells greeted this year's young first time sailors of Skandia Geelong Week's Rotary Youth Program.

The program is masterminded by Skandia Geelong Week patron, John Bertrand AM in 2001, and is aimed at connecting young first time sailors from different parts of regional Victoria with the metropolitan Australia Day celebration.

Young Rotarians from country locations were put onboard six Sydney 38s to set sail in the 34 nautical mile historic passage race from Williamstown to Geelong.

The six young students were selected based on special recognition for their high achievements and included: Ashley Frye and Emma Lewis (Eaglehawk), Molly Driscoll and Matilda Ford (Castlemaine), Brigitta Baker (Bendigo - Sandhurst) and Thomas Connelly-Moss (Echuca Moama).

Greeted by rough conditions at the start line, the young Rotarians were soon under orders from their host crews and into an experience that will stay with them for many years.

'The crew were a great gang, a mixture of young and old and it was definitely the best thing I have ever done,' said Brigitta.

Starting the day foreign to the sport of sailing, all participants finished the day with an intention to do it again.

'I can't describe in words how amazing it was, heaps of adrenalin. The crew were lovely and very helpful. It is something I will never forget,' added Emma.

After finishing a long day on the water a special function was held for the young Rotarians and their families at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club where CEO of Skandia Australia Mr Andrew Black, presented each participant with a $500 cheque for their local Rotary Club.

'On behalf of Skandia it is a great pleasure to see the six of you representing your area and I am pleased to present you with $500 for each of your Rotary clubs.

Kerry Warner of Essendon Rotary Club has been associated with the program since its inception and was struggling for words after the post race presentation.

'This program is just spectacular and it is just such a great experience for these kids,' Mr Warner said.

Skandia Geelong Week organisers are extremely appreciative of the support of the Sydney 38 owners who host a participant onboard their yachts year after year.

by Nick Martin / Skandia media

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First timers take part in Australia's largest yachting regatta

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