Two new Corsair Pulse 600 trimarans were delivered by Multihull Central to the RQYS in time for the start of the sailing season to join a new initiative by the club whereby a new category of membership now includes the use of the two cutting edge trimarans for the purposes of learning to sail, cruising with family or one design racing.
“We recognize that for sailing as a sport and recreation to be relevant to the next generation, there needs to be new and exciting boat designs that capture the imagination and are fun to sail,” said Brent Vaughan, Director of Multihull Central.
“But equally important is providing access to these boats and encouraging participation to those uninitiated.”
“Multihulls are leading growth trends worldwide in both racing and recreational cruising , but it has always frustrated me that unless you either know someone with a boat or you are prepared to invest in a boat, it’s unlikely you experience the thrill of a multihull.”
“So we are very excited to be partnering with the RQYS on this new program that provides a new generation of sailors who become club members, access to a new generation of sailing boat onboard the Corsair Pulses.”
Designed by up and coming French designer Francois Perus and built by Corsair Marine who have a 30 year history building trimarans and owned by the Seawind Group, the Pulse 600 is an award winning trimaran that combines simple sailing systems such as a furling jib, furling mainsail and furling spinnaker, with a folding mechanism for easy storage and transport on a normal road trailer.
The design allows high performance sailing with the boat capable of sailing at speeds in excess of 15 knots, yet thanks to its large buoyant hulls it is safe and can also be sailed in cruise mode for the inexperienced and families who want to stretch out on the large comfortable trampolines.
The one design formula of the two Pulses mean they are identical in performance, so match racing can become very competitive testing the best sailor’s abilities.
“It is our hope that we will eventually build up a one design fleet of Pulse’s sailing and racing regularly at the RQYS,” concludes Brent, “having owned one myself, I have no doubt that once people experience sailing on these boats they will get addicted.”
Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron General Manager Shawn Ket said that this new membership category meets an increasing demand to cater for potential sailing members who are yet to purchase a vessel.
“RQYS has put in place a membership option for new and existing members who want to go sailing regularly but don’t yet have a boat,” Mr Ket said.
This package has been developed in response to member demand and with an eye on Ronstan CEO Alistair Murray’s Global Sailing Trends, presented to the Australian Yacht Club Managers’ Group in April this year.
Mr Murray notes the need to cater for changing trends toward recreational sailing activity and family inclusiveness as well as a growing enthusiasm for multihull sailing.
“The market is calling for less serious racing, more leisurely activities, an emphasis on recreation and a focus on time with family and friends,” Mr Murray said.
“Sailing is exciting, great for kids, healthy, safe, social, family oriented and in tune with the environment.”
“So sailing must be packaged accordingly with more time efficient and time friendly offerings.”
Mr Ket said the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron is actively harnessing and implementing the lessons learnt from Mr Murray’s research through this initiative.
“This membership package will also work to bridge the transition between youth sailing, and the aging average adult yacht purchasing age,” Mr Ket said.
“But will also mean that members and their families can enjoy their weekends together on the water, ultimately creating more pathways for participation and engagement in sailing at all levels – racing or recreation.”
Applications for this membership package are available at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron in Manly, or on the Squadron’s website: www.rqys.com.au
