'Wave' sailing program starts at Pittwater's RPAYC

6:03 AM Wed 18 Mar 2009 GMT

'Wave sailing' Kerli Corlett

The Hobie Wave is now a part of the sailing scene at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club on Sydney's Pittwater.

A unique sailing program has been introduced at the RPA that will entice newcomers of all ages into the sport of sailing.

In a joint venture between the RPA, the Palm Beach Sailing Club and local Monavale based Hobie cat dealer, the Sailing Scene, an initial fleet of 10 Hobie Waves are on now located on the RPA's hard stand. They are available for youth training, social sailing and racing.

The Wave has developed a cult following around the World because it is exciting, affordable, dependable, manoeuvrable and suitable for all ages and abilities. The intention of the 'Wave' sailing program is to build from this and for it to become the major Australian club based multihull training fleet.

Some of Australia's and the Worlds best multihull sailors learnt their craft in these types of boats. The current Hobie 16 Youth World champions, Jason Waterhouse and Michael McCormick, got their start in this type of cat. In fact Australia has champions in 6 of the 8 ISAF multihull classes and categories including the Hobie Tiger, Hobie 16 Hobie Grandmasters and Youth, Hobie Dragoon, A class and Tornado.

Learning to sail the Hobie Wave is simple. Incredible stability and manoeuvrability are combined with high performance to make a very enjoyable, effortless sail. Its so easy to tack and gybe that complete novices can be sailing solo in short order while the Hobie Waves performance gets even proficient sailors excited.

The 'Wave' sailing program aims to:
?advance the interests of the local sailing fraternity, in particular the RPA, PBSC, sailors, coaches and trainers, manufacturers and retailers
? lift the visibility of sailing on Pittwater
? grow youth sailing, as well as appeal to adults and families
? ensure participants enjoy their experience

The 'Wave' sailing program is the first such program in Australia and includes an online booking system for boat use. A web based application allows bookings, payment and other administrative activities to be handled automatically.

The popularity of the program is such that all 10 initial boats were sold and on the RPA hardstand within two weeks of the programs signoff. The program has attracted the interest of national and international organisations such the Sailing Scene, Dufour, Club Marine and Boatmate who are sponsors of some of the boats.

The official launch of the Wave sailing program will take place on Sunday the 22nd March at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club.