Bunbury’s Koombana Bay Sailing Club hailed as WA’s finest for inclusivity, junior programs & member boost

A sailing club from the South West has beaten the competition to be crowned the best in the State — and now it’s trying its luck at the national title. Koombana Bay Sailing Club was in October named WA club of the year at the Australian Sailing WA Awards, which recognised the Bunbury group for its provision of inclusive opportunities, expanded junior sailing programs and a 114 per cent jump in membership. The win secured the club a spot as a finalist for the Australian Sailing Awards. It will go head-to-head with bigger clubs the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria and New South Wales’ Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club. “Commodore Sarah Twigger has put in enormous efforts to promote the club and increase our profile in the community, and this is a testament to that,” she said. The club hosts Rotary Sail Into Life — which helps people of all activities to sail — and places a heavy focus on encouraging women to engage with sailing. Ms Price said it was important to have diversity and inclusivity in the club. “It’s a sport where women and men can compete equally, but also if you’re a bit timid on the water, there’s something for everybody around the club,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to meet a variety of people from various walks of life and all have something in common.” The club is hosting a discover sailing day on November 20 from 10am-12.30pm when Ms Price said the community could “get a taste for the water” and head out sailing with club members.