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General Manager - South Australia Update December 2025

Published Wed 03 Dec 2025

The latest update from Australian Sailing's General Manager SA - Kylie Baker

Please visit SA News for updates on South Australia and National News for all Australian Sailing Updates and News. 

We would love to hear your stories. Please contact me or share some information with me by email at sa@sailing.org.au to add to our club news feed. 

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

It has been a wonderful year working with our SA clubs, highlighted by the SA Sailing Summit hitting to road to Port Macdonnell, Goolwa, Coffin Bay and Wallaroo. 

We are proud to have three South Australian yachts from CYCSA and RSAYS competing in the 2025 Sydney to Hobart. 

Good luck to Clockwork, Inukshuk, Cool C4ts, and The XX Factor. 

Follow and support the race at the official website: https://www.rolexsydneyhobart.com  

Good luck also to Fraser Baker and Will Gaylard from LBSC/CYCSA (International 420), who will be representing South Australia and Australia at the 2025 Youth Sailing World Championship in Vilamoura, Portugal, from 12–22 December. 

We also look forward to the sight of the Australian Sharpies in Port Lincoln, with an expected fleet of 75 boats. 

Safe travels to everyone on the road, and best of luck to all South Australian competitors and host clubs for their upcoming events. 

Please note that the Australian Sailing SA office will close for the holiday season on Friday, 20 December 2024, and will reopen on Monday, 6 January 2025.

 

This Month's Update: 

  • Australian Sailing Awards Night – Celebrating success 
  • Algal Bloom in SA 
  • Grant Opportunities 
  • SA Summer of National Events and SA Sailing Calendar 
  • SA Courses for Instructors, Officials and Coaches 
  • Updating Club Contacts
  • Keep in Touch  

Sailing Awards

State award winners were automatically nominated for the Australian Sailing National Awards, held at the National Maritime Museum (Sydney) on Friday 14th November.  

Congratulation to our National Award Finalists:

Innovation Award – Alan Young (Adelaide Sailing Club) 

Team of the Year – Sandy Higgins and Paul Marsh (Brighton & Seacliff Yacht Club) 

She Sails Award - South Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta Committee (Cruising Yacht Club of SA, Port Adelaide Sailing Club, Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron) 

South Australia enjoyed National Award success with South Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta Committee winning the She Sails Awards.  A fantastic achievement as reward for the hard work and building of the successful South Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta.  

Full Article HERE 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Algal Bloom in South Australia

South Australian beaches and waterways can still be enjoyed with advice to stay away from foamy or discoloured water, which may cause irritation.  

If you do enter this water, or experience any irritation, rinse off with clean water afterwards. If the water is clear, it’s fine to swim.   

When the algae are broken up by wave action, algal particles can cause short-term irritation including:  

  • Skin Irritation  
  • Eye Irritation  
  • Cough and Shortness of breath.  

If you notice these symptoms, move away from the beach or water. Most symptoms will resolve within hours of leaving the area.  

Advice for people with asthma  

Some algal species can release biotoxins into the air through wave action that may trigger symptoms in people with asthma.  

People with asthma are advised to:   

  • Carry their reliever medication with them while on beaches, especially when there is thick foam or discoloured water  
  • Take their preventive medication as prescribed  
  • Check their asthma management plan isup-to-date.  

People with known asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, or other form of chronic lung disease may be more vulnerable to the respiratory effects of biotoxins and should avoid areas where there is discoloured or foamy water, particularly if there is an onshore breeze.  

Australian Sailing and Clubs are continuing to focus on:   

  • Risk Management of water quality and weather conditions
  • Awareness of the Algal Bloom and effects  
  • Keeping our sailors and volunteers safe  

ALGAL BLOOM HOTLINE 

A new algal bloom phone hotline has been launched to provide further access to accurate, timely and consistent information about the algal bloom affecting parts of South Australia. 

The free 1800 774 779 State Government hotline will make it easier for people to connect with existing algal bloom support services through a single contact point. 

Callers to the hotline will be able to make selections to: 

  • Seek general information about the algal bloom. 

  • Ask questions about industry support, including how to apply for grants. 

  • Get the latest health advice, including access to mental health services. 

Get the Beachsafe app for today’s conditions across 23 beaches. 

With the Beachsafe app, you can access up-to-date information for popular beaches including whether there is any abnormal foam, abnormally coloured water and when the beach was cleaned, along with a fresh picture of the beach. 

The app will be updated four times per day during summer at 23 beaches across the metropolitan and southern coast. 

Report fish kills or dead sharks.  

Report sick or dead wildlife, such as marine mammals.https://www.algalbloom.sa.gov.au/news/algal-bloom-hotline-keeps-community-informed  

More information at https://www.algalbloom.sa.gov.au  

The ‘summer plan’ has now been released and information at https://www.algalbloom.sa.gov.au/summer-plan  

ORSR have a specific sport and recreation poster for the Algal Bloom created (link below) 
1085249 DEW Algal bloom warning sign A1 - Sports and Rec - FINAL PRINT.indd 

*Information based on advice from Health SA November 30 2025. 

Grant Opportunities 

Funding for sport impacted by the Algal Blooms has been released. $3000 for sporting clubs and class associations. 

Applications close 17th December. 

Please feel free to give me a call with any questions regarding your applications. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boat Owner Relief

To support South Australian recreational boat owners, the program includes: 

  • Discounted boat registration 
  • Free access to boat ramps. 

For all recreational boats and light boat trailers registered between 1 December 2025 to 1 December 2026, the State Government is providing a 50% discount on registration. 

If you own a boat or light boat trailer registered in South Australia, the 50% reduction will be applied to the registration fee on your renewal notice. 

If your boat or light boat trailer is currently unregistered, you need to wait until 1 December 2025 before renewing to receive the reduced fee. However, if you wish to use your boat or boat trailer before 1 December 2025, you will need to register it before use as normal. 

Free access to boat ramps 

From 1 December 2025, the State Government is providing 12 months of free boat ramp access across South Australia. 

Your guide to temporary recreational fishing changes in South Australia.

 

SA EVENTS this Summer 

Sat 27 Dec - Tue 6 Jan - Australian Sharpie Nationals (Port Lincoln Yacht Club)  

Sun 28 Dec- Sun 4 Jan - 125 Nationals (Coffin Bay Yacht Club)  

Sat 3 Jan - Fri 9 Jan - Mosquito and Taipan Catamaran Australian Championships (Adelaide Sailing Club)  

Mon 12 Jan - Thu 15 Jan - 51st Tasar Nationals (Wallaroo Sailing Club)  

Sun 1 Feb - Sat 7 Feb  - TS16 National Championships (LBSC)  

Mon 2 Feb 2026. - Tue 10 Feb - 2026 Fireball Australian Championships (Adelaide Sailing Club) 

Fri 13 Feb – Thu 19 Feb - Adelaide to Port Lincoln Yacht Race (CYCSA / PLYC)  

Fri 20 Feb - Tue 24 Feb - King of the Gulf Regatta (RSAYS / PVSC)  

Are you interested in joining the volunteer team for any of these events? Please get in contact with the clubs and be part of the team. 

Clubs welcome all visitors to come and enjoy the atmosphere of what these events bring.   

Come together and support the fantastic work of our sailing volunteers. 

If you are hosting an event… Please let us know. 

 

Instructor, Official and Coach Courses in SA 2026

Course dates for 2026 are in planning and will be available from January 2026. 

Please use the below course finder. 

Find a course here - Course Finder 

If you have has a need for specific training, please reach out for us to work with you on preferred dates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Race Officer - Scorer & Handicapper Course Now Available  

Australian Sailing is pleased to announce the launch of a brand new course, Race Officer– Scorer& Handicapper. This course covers the essentials of scoring and handicapping, and will help participants build confidence and capability in an area that is crucial to fair and enjoyable racing.  

The Race Officer – Scorer& Handicapper is now available through the Australian Sailing Learning Centre. For more information on the course or how to register, click here.  

A course for every member! Visit your AS online profile: e-LEARNING TRAINING  
 

Australian Sailing Learning Centre 

Have you visited the Australian Sailing Learning Centre?  

The Australian Sailing Learning Centre is your go-to hub for education and training. It provides clubs, associations, members, volunteers, administrators, instructors, coaches and officials with access to a comprehensive range of free online courses. Developed by Australian Sailing, the Australian Sports Commission and Sport Integrity Australia, these courses support learning and development across all sections of the sailing community.  

Not only does the new eLearning Centre feature courses for Instructors, Coaches and Race Officials, but there are also several training modules for Club and Class Association management. Courses include Safety & Risk Management, Safeguarding Recruitment and Screening, Organisational Culture and Governance Training, Induction Training for Discover Sailing Centre administrators, and Powerboat Essential Skills.  

Save the Dates in South Australia 

SA Sailing Summit : Port Adelaide Sailing Club – Sunday 21st June – TBC 
Training in Focus - Live: CYCSA – Sunday 23rd August – TBC 
State Sailing Awards: Adelaide Sailing Club – Friday 18th September 2026  
Zhik Youth Sail Series: Brighton & Seacliff Yacht Cub – 26th and 27th Youth Champs / 28th and 29th Youth Clinic.

South Australian Sailing Calendar 

SA Sailing Calendar is now available to add your events to be viewed by all. View Calendar here!

Request link for clubs to add your events, or send your event details to sa@sailing.org.auto be added to the calendar. 

Australian Sailing National Calendar is also available at https://www.sailing.org.au/events/ 

Updating Club Contacts

Not Receiving Official AS Communications?

When Flag Officers change roles your club account details need to be updated, without key contact details, Australian Sailing cannot contact the right people.

Club Action: Check your Club’s contact details in the Account details section of revSPORT 
 
How to Update Club Contacts 

SA Club News

  • Catch up on the latest SA Club News 
  • SA Sailing News – We want to hear your news! 
  • HERE is the quick way to get your club or class’s news into the appropriate news section of our website.
  • We want to share all your great news with members of Clubs and Classes. 

Visit us at www.sailing.org.au

More updates to the Australian Sailing Website coming in 2026!

Keep in Touch

Please stay connected with me. 

I am available to meet face-to-face, via teams and on the phone. Please feel free to stay connected. 

General Manager - SA
Kylie Baker  
0425511177 
kylie.baker@sailing.org.au  

Club Support Officer and National Participation 
Nick Neale 
(02) 9170 6920 
nick.neale@sailing.org.au 

You can find a complete list of Australian Sailing Contacts – here. 

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