A heron is a two person displacement boat made of wood or fibreglass. It is ideally suited to sailing with an adult and a child, however there is enough room for 2 adults to sail comfortably. It can also be sailed with 2 competent and confident kids, and they are sometimes seen sailing circles around some of the more 'experienced' crews!
A heron rig is a stayed jib and main, which offers controllability, and all the sail adjustments of a much bigger boat in an easy to use package. Putting up the sails is relatively easy, and the boats themselves are cheap to maintain. There is plenty of expertise on the beach during our sailing season that can not only help you rig a boat, but can show you the intricacies of how a heron works.
Costs for a Heron vary from $400 for a second hand boat to $10,000 for a brand new fibreglass boat. Whilst there may be some work involved to make a $400 boat ‘seaworthy’, it would certainly be a good learning experience, and a fantastic way of getting to know your boat.
Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club is also involved with a number of other clubs that sail herons. This involvement includes an inter-club championship known as the “Travellers Trophy”. This championship provides a fantastic opportunity for the kids (and adults) to race against a larger fleet, as well as providing ample opportunity so socialise between rival clubs. This prestigious championship has been fought out for many years, and Narrabeen sailors often show at the top of the leaderboard.
When you have built up a little bit of skill and confidence, you may feel the urge to race at the next level. The Heron State and National Titles are held in different parts of the State and Country each year, and Narrabeen Lake sailors put a lot of effort into preparation for this event. These multi-day events are usually treated like a holiday, with many people spending a few days before and after appreciating the chance to get away. In 2007/08, the Heron National Titles are being held in Hobart, Tasmania, and a strong contingent of Narrabeen Lake Sailors are making the trip south.
For further information about Herons, please refer to the Heron Association website (http://www.heron.yachting.org.au/) , our info pack on our ‘downloads’ page, or contact the Club Commodore – Rhys Llewellyn on 0414 507 072
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