Why sailing is a sport for everyone

By Kristian Pisano As Royal Perth Yacht Club prepares for the summer season and a new batch of beginner courses, a crew member has revealed why sailing is a sport for everyone. Kieran McMahon, who sails on the boat Adrenalin Rush, has been involved in the sport for more than three years after being encouraged by his uncle and the father of a close friend. He says the sport is not easy but is open to all walks of life. “There’s entry level sailing courses, so get down to your local club and do a course,” Kieran said. “Or if you know someone at a club, ask them to come out in the boat and tell them that you’re a beginner, and ask if they’ve got time to teach you.” After completing beginner training it’s a matter of putting your name and number down on a crew membership board, which teams use to recruit extra crew. Even beginners can compete. Kieran lists dedication, heart for the sport, good communication and a sense of humour as good attributes for sailing. The communication aspect is very important, too, because teamwork is essential, along with an understanding of the tactics which can develop over time. “It’s not so much about winning, it is more about performing as a well-oiled machine,” said Kieran. As long as you can get hold of a white uniform, he claims there is no reason for anyone of any background to not give it a go. Even citizens with mental and physical disabilities can take part in the races. “The sailing community are a really great community, and they do a lot of work with all kinds of people and all kinds of charities.”