Members may be aware that the Royal Victorian Motor Yacht Club (RVMYC) has, for some time, being working on developing an exciting new fun boating program for kids.

The program, based on one being run successfully by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) in the UK, aims to introduce children to the joys of boating and the boating lifestyle, while at the same time providing children with education and skills in proper and safe powerboat handling. The program is meant to be educational but presented in a practical, fun and interesting way in the form of a skills-based competition where the children spend the maximum time out on the water.

After some basic training, the children, aged 8 – 16, take part in the competition in the form of a series of time trials driving a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) around a set of marks followed by ‘rescue’ and ‘manoeuvring’ exercises. The slalom buoys used in the time trials are set 12.5m apart so that skill and control, and not necessarily speed, are the most important factors. A strict safety protocol is in place and a competent adult instructor is in the boat with the children at all times. It is envisioned that each ‘series’ would run for around 4 – 6 weeks and we would run a number of series each year culminating in a ‘final’.

We have been fortunate enough to secure sponsorship from Australia’s largest marine insurer, Club Marine and Victoria’s leading luxury boat retailer R Marine Jacksons. The program will be known as the Club Marine RVMYC Youth RIB Program run by the Royal Victorian Motor Yacht Club. The sponsorship has enabled us to purchase a 4.2m RIB fitted with a ‘Jockey Style’ centre console and a 40hp Outboard complete with trailer and all of the course hardware, (rope, reels, buoys etc.).

We have also had discussions with TS Voyager Naval Cadets who will take part in the program and their officers will participate in the running of the program. Once trials are completed for the program, we will formalise a start date which will be open to members children (and grandchildren) aged 8 years to 16 years. No previous boat handling experience is necessary and the only prerequisite is that children must be able to swim at least 25 metres.

If you have children or grandchildren aged 8 – 12 years that you think may be interested in participating in this fun program please register as we intend to hold an information evening for interested parents and children at the club. You can register by emailing admin@rvmyc.com.au or call the RVMYC office on 9393 2888.

We are still looking for additional sponsors for the program and we’ve put together a number of Sponsorship Packages for varying amounts from $1k - $5k. If you, or any organisation you know is interested in more details about the benefits of sponsoring this fabulous and worthwhile program  (with excellent advertising opportunities for sponsors), please give Commodore John Zammit a call on 0418 587 799 for more details.