Navy Sailing

Contact	navysport.sailing@defence.gov.au

Sailing has been an integral element of Australia’s naval history since the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. DI(N) PERS 75-40 'Royal Australian Navy Sailing Policy' directs responsibilities in relation to sailing in the RAN and describes the value of sailing to Navy's operational effectiveness and successful performance of its mission. Sailing develops the fundamental skills of seamanship and safety at sea, leadership, teamwork, courage, loyalty and dedication.

'Navy Sailing' (NS), an association of serving RAN members active in sailing, was established in 2003 to facilitate a coordinated approach to sailing in the Navy, beyond new entry sail training at Creswell and Cerberus which is provided by Defence Maritime Services Pty Ltd under the Port Services and Support Craft contract. NS activities include basic, sea-awareness and adventurous sail training, representative (intra and inter-Service, state, national and international) competition, and recreational sailing. A Swarbrick yacht and Tasar dinghies surplus to RAN requirement gifted to NS and establishment sailing clubs will be used in these activities.

A management committee has been established under the authority of the Navy Sports Council to manage the affairs of NS. When all sailing assets have been received, in addition to the members listed below, the management committee will include yacht and dinghy representatives. It provides professional sailing advice to Service authorities when requested, and supports serving RAN personnel in their sailing endeavours at all levels.