Whitsunday SC on the move

Port of Airlie and Whitsunday Sailing Club have joined forces to improve boating and marine sail training in the region, with a new purpose-built 20-berth marina now under construction for the exclusive use of club members.

The Whitsunday Sailing Club, which is located adjacent to Port of Airlie, has been operating its practical training activities off-site for a number of years due to a lack of local amenities to cater to the needs of its students.

With a new dedicated marina facility now under way and due for completion later this year, the club will now base its practical training at Port of Airlie, within easy reach of its headquarters.

A group of 13 students were among the first to test the waters at Port of Airlie recently, with a certificate of sea safety program conducted at the marina last week.

Whitsunday Sailing Club Training Manager Kaye Williams said she hoped to expand the club's sail training and commercial safety certification services over the coming year, in line with an anticipated increase in demand on the back of its move to Port of Airlie.

"Port of Airlie is a perfect venue for practical training, as it offers both a sheltered harbour with calm waters and surf conditions at Boathaven Beach," she said.

"The safety certification we completed recently is a mandatory qualification for anyone seeking work in the offshore oil and gas industry, superyachts or on an Australian registered vessel.

"Port of Airlie is easily accessible from the centre of town, and with our new marina being built just a short walk from our headquarters, it will be much easier for everyone to enjoy sailing with us."

Port of Airlie is a masterplanned community which includes residential property, premium holiday apartments, marina berths, marina berths, a man-made beach and parklands and a new retail precinct boasting an array of shops and restaurants.

For more information, visit www.portofairlie.com.au