On my recent trip to Queensland, I had the pleasure of visiting my friend Ron Brown, who heads up the Coomera Radio Yacht Club on the Gold Coast. This club, which began just five years ago beside a small lake in Coomera, has grown significantly and now boasts a membership of around 60.
The club has developed into a standalone organization with impressive resources, including a mobile yacht club housed in a purpose-built trailer, a small runabout used as a rescue boat and for laying marks, and a fully equipped workshop for repairing DF65 and DF95 radio-controlled yachts.
During my visit, the club was expressing gratitude to its many sponsors and the Gold Coast City Council for their substantial financial support. This funding has been pivotal in constructing the trailer and supporting the club’s ongoing activities. Photos from the visit highlight the vibrant activity and engagement of members at this unique mobile club.
I also had the opportunity to speak with Annie Watson, the Queensland General Manager for Australian Sailing. She shared that Australian Sailing is in the process of rolling out a new radio-controlled yacht course, specifically targeted at school students in years 7 to 9. This initiative aims to introduce younger generations to the sport and foster interest in sailing.
In addition, Ron Brown spoke about the club’s future plans to expand its membership by welcoming sailors with disabilities and others who might find traditional sailing challenging. This inclusive approach aligns with the club’s ethos of accessibility and community engagement.
It was a great honor to witness the club award Ron Brown life membership in recognition of his incredible work. Under his leadership, the Coomera Radio Yacht Club has grown from a greenfield site into a vibrant, thriving organization that continues to inspire and connect people through the sport of radio-controlled sailing.
This visit was a testament to the power of community, dedication, and vision in building a successful club.
Kind regards,
Robert McClelland
