The boat was obtained through government sporting grant funding and support from Fraser Marine Eden and Bendigo Community Bank.

Club commodore Darren Lydiard said the new boat – a Quintrex 440 - would be more practical and reliable than the previous boat with planned use to facilitate club racing, sailing lessons, regattas, and most importantly, on-water rescues.

Members thanked Bega Member Andrew Constance and his electorate officer Shannon Whitford for their support in securing grants.  

“Congratulations, yours truly is a wonderful club, in an incredible location. It will be worth every penny if a life is saved- that’s the main thing. It would also be great if interest in the club grows, membership grows and the events that the club can host increase,” Mr Constance said. 

Club secretary Terry Kirby was thanked and appreciated by all for his successful grant writing.

Fraser Marine’s Matt Taylor helped picked the right boat and fit-out, but has also sponsored five years of servicing to the new boat. 

Bendigo Bank chairman Colin Dunn said “on behalf of the board and staff, we are really proud ot be involved in this.”

The club’s AGM was held after the presentation with most of the committee returning and planning for this sailing season. 

The club will offer free sailing lessons and a discount on membership to new members. For more information, please see the club’s website at wlbc.org.au