Frequently Asked Questions

1. I'm having trouble viewing the KCC website, my video card / my hardware wont display the entire web page on the screen or the menu(s) seem to be missing in part? Any other technical issues I may encounter?
   • KCC's website is now optimised for 1600x1200 or greater screen resolution(though will work at resolutions that are lower). The website has been tested in Internet Explorer v9+, Safari v5.1+(including Safari on the Apple iPad2), Mozilla Firefox v3.6+ and Google Chrome v10+ browsers. There is also a page at this link that will work on the Apple iPhone albeit with some restrictions on functionality such as no KCC news items on the home page. If your video card or screen cannot handle that resolution you have 3 options. i) Time to bite the bullet and upgrade your hardware - ouch. ii) Use the small menu at the bottom of the screen near the disclaimer - ouch or iii) The preferred option which is to zoom your browser to less than 100%  e.g. Depending on your browser:-
     • In Internet Explorer:- click the drop down arrow, next to the magnifying glass at the bottom right hand side of Internet Explorer;
     • In Safari:- Click "View" on the menu then "Zoom Out";
     • In Mozilla Firefox:- Click "View", "Zoom", "Zoom Out" ;
     • In Google Chrome:- Click the "Control Current Page" icon at top right, then click "Zoom", "Smaller".
     • If you get really desperate - ask your teenage daughter or son for assistance.
   • 21st July 2011:- Safari v5.1 MAC Lion OSX 10.7 users, please note that PDF files viewed inline on the KCC website will not open "inline" when using the latest version of MAC Lion OSX with Safari 5.1. This is a known issue and Adobe are investigating. You can click here to obtain further information in relation to this issue. The PDF will still download as a result of a left click or can be opened in a new window or new tab by right clicking on the hyperlink and clicking the appropriate option.
2. What type of sailing does KCC cater to?
   • KCC caters for the casual and serious sailor alike. We sail "off the beach" catamarans and "cruising multihulls" on Sundays from September to April each year. KCC has also established a junior sailing division in the very safe and fun monohull Open BIC boat.  It doesn't matter if you are world champion or only have enough knowledge to get back to the beach. The Club is a fun, family oriented club and we would love to have you join us.
3. Where are you located and can I come along and have a try?
   • We are at Kurnell, Sydney, NSW. Refer to the Contact Us link for our exact address and contact details. Yes you are welcome to come along and we'll try to fix you up for a ride on one of our member's boats, subject to availability. Its best to come down before 10am (or even earlier for juniors) as after that many of our sailors are rigging up in preparation to race during the afternoon.
4. How much does it cost?
   • Please refer to our Membership link for all the fees both for members and guests.
5. Do I need my own boat? What if I need crew or am crew looking for a boat?
   • No you don't need your own boat, but you will need someone who is willing to have you on board as crew. If you cannot find someone then we'll try and fix you up, but places are limited. Many people end up buying their own boat after a few sails and that is when the fun really starts. If you need crew or are crew looking for a regular ride, Email the webmaster of this site with your details (and experience if crew) and we will place an advertisement on our For Sale/Wanted page requesting crew or detailing you as crew wanting a sail.
6. What classes of boat sail at the club and do you run regattas for any class of sailing boat?
   • KCC welcomes all sailing craft though its multihulls (including large cruising multihulls) that sail with us in the main. Predominately at the club we have "off the beach" catamarans from classes such as "A" Class, F16s, F18s, Hobiecat, Maricats, NACRAs, Prindles, Stingrays, Taipans, Tornados, Windrush and others are always welcome. Occasionally we even have a fleet of windsurfers who come along and sail. KCC has also established a junior sailing division in the very safe and fun monohull Open BIC boat. Whilst we primarily host regattas for multihulls, we have, in the past, hosted other classes(including non-multihull) state and national titles. Subject to club resources being available and the timing against our own events and calendar, we welcome classes wishing to run state or national titles at KCC. We usually require 3 to 4 months notice. Contact the KCC Commodore from our Contact Us link for further information and a pricing quote. 
7. Can children sail and what is the minimum age for them to sail at the club?
   • Whilst there is no minimum age, it really depends on how coordinated, strong and confident the child is. Needless to say, they should be able to swim. We tend to find because of the speed and power of catamarans, children tend to start crewing on average between about 11 and 13 years of age. However KCC has established a junior sailing division in the very safe and fun monohull Open BIC boat. This class targets children under 16 years of age, but is particularly focussed on those between about 7 and 13 years of age.
8. What facilities are at the club house?
   • The club has men's and ladies separate toilet, change rooms and hot shower facilities. Additionally the club has a large balcony and internal seating and tables with a clear view of the sailing on Botany Bay as well as a Canteen. There is a small pool table and TV. There is also ample parking in the street. In accordance with club policy no cash or valuables are left or stored on site.
9. Do you teach sailing and offer training courses?
   • Unfortunately we do not run official tuition programs, however if you understand the basics there is always someone around to assist with improving your skills in rigging, sailing and racing. KCC has, however, established a junior sailing division in the very safe and fun monohull Open BIC boat. 
10. Is sailing dangerous?
    • Not normally, but like all sports there are risks. Participants must familiarise themselves with all the risks involved. Refer to the KCC Disclaimer which outlines only some of the risks. Also refer to the Racing Rules of Sailing Rule 4 "Decision to Race"
11. Can you recommend a boat or dealer?
    • Unfortunately not, suffice to say most beginners start in smaller 14' (<4.2m) boats and then graduate after a year or two to 16' (<5m) or even bigger. The most experienced sailors tend to sail the bigger boats and particularly those with spinnakers. Our junior division is targetting the Open BIC monohull.
12. Can I store my boat at the club?
    • Yes, we offer boat storage at a very competitive rate. Refer to the Membership link and to the Boat Yard Policy for pricing and conditions. We also have limited storage for junior monohull boats for members.
13. Can I bring my new / 2nd hand boat along for someone to show me how to rig up?
    • Yes, as long as you arrive early on a Sunday. For example before 10am; after that Members are usually busy preparing their own boats for the afternoon's racing. If you contact the Commodore of the Club, it may be possible to organise some "one on one" assistance very early, say 8.30am.
14. Do you have people watching and looking after me when I'm on the water?
    • During racing periods (most Sunday afternoons September to April) KCC has a Support Boat (twin hulled Webster powerboat with 70hp outboard) on the water that is in radio contact with the club. Additionally an Officer of the Day oversees the club house and provides additional observation of the bay from the club house. We also have very strict rules regarding when to sail in relation to the weather. For more information consult our Operational Plan and the Sailing Instructions. All boats are required to have righting ropes on them(towing rings and bridles are recommended) and all sailors must wear lifejackets when on the water.
15. Are there insurance  requirements?
    • Yes, boat owners must have their boat insured (including racing cover if you intend to race) for third party property. Additionally you must have a minimum $5m AUD third party liability cover. The club itself also has the legislated public liability insurance.
16. OK, so when do you sail and what type of races and courses do you have?
    • Refer to the Race Calendar, Notices of Race and Sailing Instructions links.
17. Wow, that lost me. What is a Notice of Race and what are Sailing Instructions?
    • The Notice of Race is just an announcement about a special sailing event, when its occurring and other details. Think of it as an announcement or flyer pinned to a notice board telling you all about the event. Sailing Instructions are the rules under which the events will be conducted, including things like starting procedures, the course maps etc.
18. Do I have to race?
    • Of course not but many find it improves their skills and adds that little bit of extra enjoyment. However, we have members who do no more than come for a casual sail that coincides with the club being open.
19. Do I have to do duties around the club?
    • Yes, all Members are expected to complete at least one rostered duty day per season. This could be as Officer of the Day, Boat Captain (if you hold a power boat license) or Boat Crew. Don't worry, we don't put people in roles until they are ready, confident and tell us they are competent to do them. New members are rostered on with experienced members in their first season or so. Additionally we have a working bee once per month to mow lawns and do odd jobs and maintenance around the Club. We like to encourage members to assist at one or two of these each year. 
20. Can I bring the family? Young children? Pets?
    • Absolutely, they may be future Olympians. The club is large and roomy inside. We do ask though, that you supervise children under the care of a responsible adult and not leave them on their own in the club, surrounding grounds or boat yards. KCC has established a junior sailing division in the very safe and fun monohull Open BIC boat. Pets are not permitted inside the club building, we have no objections to them outside as long as they are well behaved in nature and supervised.
21. I'm probably going to be pretty hopeless at racing, what's the point if I'm against all these hot shot sailors?
    • Whilst our Club Championship racing is aimed at the best sailor winning, our other races all have personal handicaps applied, so you can come physically last across the finish line and depending upon your handicap still win the event. Its all about continuous improvement. Those that improve the most tend to win handicap events and because beginners tend to improve fastest, then they have a definite advantage here.
22. I have heard that KCC has developed a modified form of the VYC Yardsticks for use in events at the Club. What are the KCC yardsticks?
    • Yes, KCC have, using results gathered over many seasons developed some modifications to the VYC yardsticks (a set of boat handicaps used to determine mixed fleet racing results, all other things being equal) which we believe more fairly reflects the current crop of modern racing catamarans. You can download the KCC yardsticks by clicking here.
23. Is the club licensed for alcohol?
    • Yes, but it is a very strict operating license for Members and visiting sailors after sailing and only on sailing days. The Club abides by all laws concerning the responsible serving of alcohol and it is only available when the qualified RSA certificate holders and Licensee are present. You cannot just walk in off the street and purchase alcohol.
24. Do you have poker or gambling machines? Is smoking permitted inside the club?
    • No
25. Is food, soft drink, tea/coffee available at the club?
    • Yes, we have a well stocked canteen that opens up just before lunch time and closes about an hour or two after racing.
26. Who can I ask if I have more questions?
    • You can contact us from our Contact link or alternatively come along one Sunday morning after 9am but preferably before 10am and have a chat to us. If you see us on the beach, don't be shy, come up and say "hi". If you mention the website, we might even buy you a coffee or tea at the club.
27. I'm hooked where can I get a Membership Application form and how do I pay?
    • Either from our Membership link or if you like, you can click here for direct access to the form which also contains payment details. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read the form. You can get that from here:
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