The project: Elliott 7 Fleet Refurbishment and Sustainment Campaign

The CYCA Youth Sailing Academy (YSA) has been in operation for more than 25 years, conducting a range of programs annually both on water and in the classroom.  During that time, the CYCA has fully supported the YSA which has included amongst other things the provision and maintenance of a fleet of 10 one design boats.  

One of the objectives of the CYCA Sailing Foundation is to support the development and maintenance of youth sailing. This campaign falls within the objects of this Foundation. 

All of our fleets have a detailed preventative maintenance program which is evident in the current fleet’s excellent condition. Previous fleets have turned over approximately every 10 years

For the YSA to continue as a world leading sailing academy, the CYCA Board considered replacement options for the fleet and has determined that refurbishment of the current fleet would meet the key future requirements at the core of YSA activities, and that a small refurbishment of each boat would be required to bring the fleet back to “factory standards”.

The cost to replace the fleet is estimated to be at least $500,000.00.

Phase 1:

The planned refurbishment would extend the life of the fleet for at least another 5 years (» to 2028).

The quote to refurbish the fleet is $50,000.00 ($5,000.00 per boat).

Phase 2:

The Foundation also hopes to secure funding for the ongoing maintenance and sustainment of the fleet during the period of its extended life. Funds will be required for servicing and supply of essential equipment including sails.

About the programs that use the Elliott 7 fleet

The fleet of Elliott yachts is critical to a number of programs run through the CYCA YSA and CYCA Sailing Foundation. 

This not only includes sail training programs for teenagers and young adults introducing them to the joys of keelboat racing, but the fleet is also key to the community programs targeted at: 

1. Providing an entry point to encourage more women into the sport of sailing, removing barriers to entry to the sport; and
2. Opportunities for school aged children who wouldn't normally have access to sailing programs to introduce them to the sport.

In addition, the structure of the CYCA's training programs means young sailors are provided opportunities to give back to their sport through coaching junior sailors and employment in maritime related fields - many going on to earn trade qualifications or a career as a professional sportsperson and some have moved into administrative and management positions within the CYCA.  

The CYCA is proud of the diversity of the graduates of these programs and the refurbishment and sustainment of this fleet is critical in continuing to provide and expand these opportunities to introduce people to the sport.

Key notes:

In 2013, the CYCA replaced its fleet of ten Elliott 6m boats with the purchase of a new one design fleet of ten Elliott 7m keelboats. At the time they were purchased the intention was to replace the fleet after 10 years of use.  

Today the class continues to grow in Australasia with a number of peer clubs deciding not to replace but to extend the life of their fleets.  Other peer clubs have purchased Elliott 7m keelboats. The number of clubs using these boats has grown to 7.

The 2023 Youth Match Racing World Championship was hosted by the CYCA. It was determined that the refurbishment of the existing fleet would need to commence during or before June 2022 to be completed before the 2023 World Championship.

The fleet has a versatility which includes other programs to be conducted by the CYCA, and in conjunction with the CYCA Sailing Foundation Limited.

Through our fundraising partnership with the Australian Sports Foundation, donations to this vital campaign are tax deductible. So please show your support by donating today.