The Griffith Sailing Club have edged ever closer to beginning their 2020 season with the recent acquisition of a rescue boat, courtesy of a $4,086 grant from the Office of Sport.
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The return of non-motorised aquatic sporting activities at Lake Wyangan has been repeatedly put on hold by diminished water levels, water quality concerns and the COVID-19 pandemic.
However GSC's newest addition, a 4.3 metre rubber dinghy with an outboard motor, will allow events at the lake to get underway, pending water quality approval.
"We're very thankful of NSW Government and the Department of Sport and Recreation for the provision of this grant," club secretary David Martin said.
"The world's a fairly changed place from when I originally put the application in late last year, but I'm hoping now that we see an increase in people wanting to participate in non-motorised aquatic sporting activities."
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The vessel will be used for rescue and coaching purposes, adding versatility and breathing new life into a previously concerned club.
The dinghy has provided more functionality for GSC while also adhering to risk management protocol and policy procedures.
"With a couple of people you can manoeuvre it to the water and launch it without much trouble," Mr Martin explained.
"Basically you can have the rescue boat go wherever you want to go."
If water quality concerns do arise, the new boat will allow for events to be relocated to Lake Cargelligo, as the dinghy is easily transportable.
"The water levels don't have to come up that much further for us to start competitive sailing again," Mr Martin added.
"Failing that, Lake Cargelligo isn't really that far away from us."
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