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North Shore Sailing Clubs

Published on: October 2019

Record: HANSARD-1323879322-107903

North Shore Sailing Clubs

Ms FELICITY WILSON (North Shore) (18:26:38):

North Shore is home to some outstanding organisations that bring people together through a shared love of sailing and appreciation of our magnificent harbour. Sydney Flying Squadron is one such organisation. Through its operational replica fleet the squadron is keeping alive the history of the early 18-foot skiffs that sailed our harbour over a century ago. Founded in 1891 by department store-owner Mark Foy, the Sydney Flying Squadron challenged conventional sailing practices by using vibrant-coloured sails and handicapped starts to make competitions easier for spectators to follow and enjoy.

Having supported the Sydney Flying Squadron with a grant to improve accessibility in the past, on the weekend I was proud to join its members to officially open its new boat ramp, which will give my community easier and safer access to the harbour. The $420,000 project—which received $332,000 from the Berejiklian Government's Boating Now program and $90,000 from North Sydney Council—is ready just in time for the peak boating season. As the old ramp was too steep, short and narrow to easily launch and retrieve vessels, the completion of the new ramp will offer safer and more reliable access to the harbour for the Sydney Flying Squadron and other recreational vessels coming off Nielsen Park.

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I thank former Sydney Flying Squadron Board Director Peter Jackson and Adrienne Jackson, who advocated strongly for the construction of the ramp. They have been closely involved in the project since the beginning. Peter is a long-time club member and his passion for sailing and commitment to the squadron are to be admired. With the ability to launch non-powered water craft, the new boat ramp is easier and safer to use and ensures that everyone can take advantage of the improved harbour accessibility. It will benefit kayakers, paddle boarders and the broader community. It also incorporates a stunning compass rose to help sailors settle any unruly arguments about which way the wind is blowing. The ramp was officially launched by a replica of the historic 18‑foot skiff , recognising the centenary since the original vessel was built. It was a proud moment for skipper and Sydney Flying Squadron life member Ian Smith.

Sydney Flying Squadron has had many famed sailors in its ranks, including the late Ian Kiernan, AO, who took particular interest in the club, having specialised in restoration as a builder. Ian treated the Sydney Flying Squadron as a home. I know it was home to many members of his family as well, as they lived just one street away. It was a great treasure to join members of his family, including Judy Kiernan; daughter Pip, who is now the Chairperson of Clean Up Australia; and a number of their children and grandchildren, including Saskia, to unveil the beautiful bronze Ian Kiernan memorial plaque in the centre of the compass rose. As a sailor and a patron of Sydney Flying Squadron, Ian had a significant impact on our seas and it is fitting that his plaque sits alongside our harbour, recognising his legacy. At the unveiling it was noted that he is facing the harbour, keeping an eye on the sailors and the waterways, which for so long he championed keeping clean.

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I acknowledge Commodore Billy Loader, who worked on the Ian Kiernan memorial. He put his heart and soul into the design and execution of the plaque. He is an exceptional leader of Sydney Flying Squadron, ensuring that it remains the notable and successful community club that it is today. I have always loved getting out and about with the Sydney Flying Squadron. Last year I joined members of the club on their spectator ferry, which follows the boats to get an up-close view of them in action. Sailing the skiffs, which are replicas of the original historic skips, takes an enormous amount of skill and it is not uncommon to see the crew hurling buckets of water out of the boats as they have a tendency to capsize during the races. When I was out there last a mast snapped on .It is an interesting and thrilling sport. I thank Commodore Billy Loader, President John Winning and former Board Director Peter Jackson for their ongoing commitment to the squadron.

Another fantastic club in my electorate is the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club. Recently I was pleased to join the club's members at their annual flag officers' dinner. I congratulate John Crawford, Maurie Evans, John Jeremy, Tom Moult, David Salter and John Sturrock on their elections as the club's new directors. I thank Commodore Bruce Dover, Vice Commodore Sean Kelly, Rear Commodore Peter Scott, Captain Chris Manion and Treasurer Charles Davis for their continued dedication to the club.

I have spoken before about the achievements of Middle Harbour Yacht Club, which brings together people young and old to be active and stay active on the harbour. I look forward to seeing the club's members this Friday when the Minister for Energy and Environment, who is in the Chamber, and I attend their upcoming Renewable Energy Cup yacht race. I congratulate Commodore Peter Lewis and Chairman John McCuaig, and wish them well with their race this week.

Mr MATT KEAN (HornsbyMinister for Energy and Environment) (18:31:45):

— I acknowledge the private member's statement of the member for North Shore. As the Minister for Energy and Environment, I acknowledge the significant contribution that Ian Kiernan made not only to our country but also to our planet. Ian is a legend of this country. He started off as a sailor, property developer and philanthropist, but the thing he is best known for is his work as an environmentalist and conservationist. He started Clean Up Australia Day in 1989 and inspired approximately 40,000 Australians to join him in cleaning up our waterways. He was so appalled by what he saw out in our seas and by the pollution choking our waterways. In recent times up to 35 million people participate annually in not only Clean Up Australia Day but also cleaning up the world. He has made a tremendous difference and we need to build on his legacy by tackling plastics pollution, which we will do very soon.