august 20 - 26 | 2014
regional extra >>> 25,000 readers every week
north east
north east jobs www.wangarattachronicle.com.au
inside page 7
circulating in wangaratta, myrtleford, bright, mt beauty, beechworth, yackandandah, rutherglen, chiltern and districts
Wind in their sails By KYLIE WILSON
GONE WITH THE WIND:
Some of North East Windsport’s keen members (from left) Mike Hillenaar, Greg Oakes, Scilla Taylor, Liz Hillenaar and Matt Hobbs. PHOTOS: Kylie Wilson
GARDENING WITH
DEBBI
RSPCA
WITH
MILLY
FILM WORDS &
PICTURES
WINE TALK WITH
ANITA
WHEN you are zooming along just inches from the ground on a light yet sturdy Blokart, it’s easy to see what draws people to windsports. And the smiles, easy conversation and laughter between members of North East Windsport Club reveal the many benefits of the pastime. The club had its beginnings in traditional sailing as the Mokoan Yacht Club, which was first established in 1975. When the decision was made to decommission Lake Mokoan, club members spent time pondering their next move. “We reinvented ourselves,” said group member Greg Oakes. “We were in doom and gloom circumstances.” But small Blokarts - or land yachts – have been a revelation. With these pieces of equipment, group members can keep using their sailing skills, with the only difference being that they are on land. After trying the innovative equipment at am event in Ballarat, group members were hooked – and they have not looked back since, with the club evolving and now calling Wangaratta Airport home. Club members have forged close friendships, enjoying regular camping trips and racing events, and love forging partnerships with other community groups. “That social side has been what has sustained the club,” Mr Oakes said. continued page |
3
AFSL 247298
WAW–
Way in front. Our customers. Their comments. v/06d07810/16-14