The countdown for the Launch of the KISS 2023 Program is coming up fast. Commencing Tuesday 16 May the opening session will be led by Queenscliff Cruising Yacht Club Commodore Lee Renfree moderating a panel of four “class of 2022” KISS graduates discussing “Facing Your Fears”.
Amongst the panelists, Vicki Bayly signed up for the inaugural KISS program in 2022 and went on to win the KISS 2022 Race/Rally Radio Operators award in the passage event from Altona to Queenscliff Cruising Yacht Club in July 2022.
Here are Vicki’s reflections on her KISS experience -
“My motivation to join the KISS program was a desire to enjoy the water on a sailing boat and wanting to overcome my lack of competence.
I had sailed very occasionally off and on over the years. Finally in my 50’s, I joined Hobson’s Bay Yacht Club and tried dinghies again, but had trouble manoeuvering under the boom. The club enabled me to start sailing on four different keelboats and then two weekends sailing keelboats on the Gippsland Lakes convinced me this was the way to go.”
Then along came KISS….
“With encouragement from a sister sailor Petrina Dorrington who had recently purchased a boat with her partner and signed up for KISS, I figured there was no time like the present and I too should get onboard.”
Fast forward to now….
“My sailing has become regular, in a supportive team. Every week I learn more about what’s expected of crew and how I can contribute. I’ve become more committed to my personal fitness. I have masses still to discover and learn in an activity that fascinates me.”
A recent first foray “beyond the bay” in an Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) Coastal Sprint race, was a voyage to celebrate -
“I’ve sailed out the Heads! And sailed back in!! And felt the swell and ridden it, and been fully supported by a wonderful balanced crew. I’m a really lucky woman with a sense of achievement.
Thanks to Commodore Lee Renfree for being a huge part of making it possible for me. Without KISS … who knows if this would ever have happened for me.
I’ve been to Paradise !!!”
Why not come and join us on the journey from passenger to active passionate participant.
Registration for KISS 2023 is now open and there are still some places available. With the program rolled out over the winter months in sailing downtime, dare to dream and prepare yourself for the opportunities of your own voyage of discovery.
Further information and registration is on the QCYC KISS webpage. Keep up to date by following us on QCYC facebook.
We look forward to having you on board!
Last Modified on 04/05/2023 09:35
