Whitsunday Sailing Club's Jim Hayes' passion for sailing

8:57 PM Tue 3 Feb 2009 GMT

'Jim Hayes' . Click Here to view large photo

Remembered by every good experienced sailor, whether they have continued their sailing life racing or cruising, is a sailing instructor, professional or amateur, who has made a real difference to their skills or passion. Whitsunday Sailing Club's Jim Hayes is one of these, and has dedicated endless hours of his personal time to ensure the sport of sailing continues to create opportunities for local young sailors.

The qualified sailing school instructor is passionate about the sport a passion which has flowed on from the first time he felt the cold power of the wind when learning to sail in Tasmania over 40 years ago.

Like all Tasmanians he is proud of his sailing heritage but the chill factor associated with the bitterly cold South West gales meant that his love for the sport had to be placed on hold for almost six months of the year.

He was never happy with the extreme weather systems of the Tasmanian winter and packed his sail bag making a new home base in Brisbane before heading to Airlie Beach, a place he is now proud to call home.

His love for open space and the aquatic environment has allowed him the opportunity to enjoy a carefree and casual lifestyle working in the marine industry during the day while his weekends are spent at his 'second home', the sailing club, encouraging and educating local children to master the technique of sailing free with the wind.

In some cases Jim Hayes has placed his own sailing career on hold to make sure the WSC maintains a friendly and safe atmosphere where the new generation sailors are correctly educated.

Hayes has spread his experience over a wide range of classes from Olympic Laser class dinghies to ocean racing yachts and personally believes that the aquatic 'class room' still has so much more to offer.

'Our sport is continuing to evolve with our junior sailors having the opportunities to improve their skills with club training and racing as they grow their confidence' he said.

Bravo, Jim Hayes, Sail-World salutes you.

Do you know another 'behind the scenes' sailor you would like recognised? Let Sail-World Cruising know!

by Ian Grant

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