A Warm Sailing Haven: Our Journey with SSCBC, By The McLaren Family
Allow us to share our heartfelt experience as some of the newest members of this incredible sailing community. We are: Stuart, Whitney, Charlie (7), and Henry (5). Our journey with the Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club (SSCBC) has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Our connection with SSCBC began during the challenging times of 2020 and 2021. Travel restrictions prevented us from returning to Western Australia for our annual holiday escapades to Rottnest Island and Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club. Instead, we found ourselves spending summers at Sorrento, where the magic of the Peninsula captured our hearts. As travel restrictions eased in 2022 the stunning temporary clubhouse continued to act as our family sanctuary, offering a much-needed escape from our busy lives in Melbourne. Ainslee, Skipper, and their wonderful team always gave us the warmest of welcomes.
During this period, I (Whitney) expressed to my husband how much I missed Western Australia and being on the water more generally. In a swift move, he reached out to SSCBC, requesting an opportunity for myself to crew on a Couta Boat. That simple call led me to Sally Law and her boat Duchess. From that day on, I haven’t looked back. Sal, the dream skipper, introduced me to Couta Boat sailing. Her approach to sailing and its pleasures, her unwavering smile and generosity alongside her family have been invaluable gifts to me.
Our son Charlie joined the Off The Beach green fleet sailing program in February of this year, greeted warmly by Dave, Julia, and the team. Despite being 6 years old at the time, his enthusiasm and comfort on the water (thanks to Rottnest summers) made him a cherished member of the team. Dave ensured Charlie not only had a boat to sail every weekend, but was nurtured, coached, and encouraged – which has led to his confidence and comfort on the water and ultimately his growing love of sailing today.
As Charlie became hooked on sailing, we found ourselves in need of our own Opti. The Beck Family sale of Black Diamond became another delightful chapter in our SSCBC experience. Charlie’s encounters with Tim Hannah, Tess Lloyd and Harry Mighell – his sailing idols – further enriched his passion for the sport.
The generosity has also extended beyond the water via Harry Mighell, SSCBC’s Club Captain. His offer of support for our family’s sailing needs epitomises the welcoming spirit and passion for the sailing program we’ve encountered at SSCBC.
From Couta Boat racing to junior sailing programs, beach days with friends and skippering at the Lady Skippers Day, every aspect of the club (including the fabulous new clubhouse) has become a cherished part of our lives. SSCBC is more than a sailing club; it’s a home away from home on the Peninsula, and another favourite stretch of water for our family. To everyone at SSCBC, thank you for the warm welcome. You’ll be seeing a lot more of us!
Sincerely,
Stuart, Whitney, Charlie, and Henry McLaren
