THERE will be no mistaking the identity of the Hervey Bay Sailing Club at local and interstate competitions now that two new branded marquees will stand tall at all their events.
A $2500 Hervey Bay RSL Community Grants Program grant has helped the club purchase the new 6x3m and 3x3m shade covers needed for several reasons.
As well as providing shelter to members and visitors, member Emily Grimsley said the logos on the marquees would also promote the long-running club and help attract fellow sailors to our beautiful waters.
“We will also be taking these shades away to sailing regattas outside of the area to promote Hervey Bay as a place to come and visit and sail so that it will give exposure for both our Sailing Club and Hervey Bay.
“We often have the public look at us as we set up our boats, and some ask a few questions.
“Having marquees with our logo on will offer information and encourage people to engage with us.
“We often see other branded marquees, and it’s always interesting to see where people have travelled from – and we engage in conversations.”
In those conversations, there’s always plenty of praise for our beautiful Fraser Coast with the canvas for sailing described by Emily as “absolutely spectacular”.
The club also hosts the iconic annual Bay to Bay Yacht Race.
“Being out on the water sailing from Urangan up to Point Vernon and looking over the ocean is a wonderful experience,” she said.
“Sailing also is an adrenalin rush and absolute thrilling sport to be involved in, especially when out on trapeze and flying a hull with our spinnaker up.”
Emily said the not-for-profit club was always grateful for assistance from the Hervey Bay RSL, especially during the Coronavirus Pandemic when fundraising is difficult.
Emily believes a well-run city with plenty of activities to offer will attract visitors, boost the economy and encourage community involvement.
“Currently, especially with Covid, many families do not have spare money for fundraising, so it’s vital that businesses like the RSL help to boost clubs to be able to continue to function and provide community sports and experience for our locals,” she said.
“Hervey Bay is an amazing place to be with so much to offer. I am involved in numerous clubs due to my children.
“I thank the RSL for their ongoing commitment to all clubs, and I encourage everyone to be involved with a community group somehow, as it promotes friendship, builds life experiences and adds value to everyone’s well-being.
“I also thank all the volunteers out there for keeping clubs going through their enthusiasm and passion for community groups.”
To find out more about the club, visit herveybaysailingclub.org.au or find them on Facebook.
