FAQs
How do I become a member at the club?
Whether you’re a seasoned Laser sailor or just starting out, DBSC is the right club for you. With the largest regular racing fleet in Australia, your development as a Laser sailor starts here. We cater for all rigs and all ages, and thrive on having a diverse membership. Our members become friends, they own a laser and race with us on Saturdays in summer and Sundays in winter.
For more information: www.dbsc.com.au/membership
I don’t sail, can I still become a member?
The club is managed and run entirely by volunteers and we welcome anyone looking for an opportunity to volunteer. There are plenty of jobs available such as helping with racing, feeding our sailors, and administration. Our membership is diverse and the club is a great place to be on a Saturday.
Please contact us for more information: secretary@dbsc.com.au
Can you teach me to sail?
We are a small club run entirely by volunteers and do not have the resources to run Learn To Sail courses. Other clubs in Sydney offer courses and you can find one that suits you at www.discoversailing.org.au
I have sailed a dinghy before, can you teach me to race a Laser?
DBSC is committed to the development of Laser sailing by offering a “Learn To Race” program for sailors of 15 years and over with previous sailing experience. The program is open to existing Laser sailors who would like to improve their racing techniques such as starts and tactics, and those that are starting out in Lasers who would like to gain more confidence racing with a large competitive fleet.
For more information: www.dbsc.com.au/learn-to-race
Can I hire a Laser?
DBSC offers club Lasers for hire to give sailors an opportunity to try racing with us before joining as members, and for participation in the Learn To Race program.
Club Laser hire is only available during organised programs or racing on Saturdays from September to April. The number of boats are limited and first preference is given to new hirers, no more than three times.
In order to hire a club Laser, the sailor must demonstrate previous experience sailing on a single-handed dinghy, or helming on other dinghies or other sailboats.
For safety, we do not hire Lasers to non-members for recreational sailing.
For more information: www.dbsc.com.au/laser-hire
Can I race with you on the harbour?
Any non member that races with us must register for a free Temporary SailPass membership before sailing with us. Please read the information provided in the link and fill in your details.
If you have your own Laser and would like to race with us, either bring your boat to the club or join us on the Harbour. Please ensure that you let us know first by emailing secretary@dbsc.com.au
There is no charge for visitors to join our fleet. However, after three races as a visitor, you are expected to become a member if you want to join the DBSC fleet for regular racing or use the club’s facilities.
As a visitor, please do not cross the finish line at the end of a race as it complicates scoring for our volunteer officials. Please ensure you do your best to not interfere with DBSC boats, particularly at the marks, during competitions where you could influence the scoring.
Can you help me buy or sell a Laser?
DBSC Lasers for sale will be listed on this page when they become available: www.dbsc.com.au/lasers-for-sale
For all other Laser sailboats for sale in Sydney, please visit an online marketplace such as Gumtree, eBay, or Facebook.
There are also commercial businesses that specialise in new and used Lasers such as PSA and NB Sailsports.
Can I hire your clubhouse?
The clubhouse is available to hire for private functions for DBSC members. Located on the waterfront in Sydney Harbour, the clubhouse consists of a boat storage space, meeting space, and a north-facing deck. As a venue, it is spectacular for a self-catered function.
For more information: www.dbsc.com.au/functions
Please note: our next door neighbor, the 18 Footers, can offer fully catered functions at all times.
Can I store my kayak (or similar) in the clubhouse?
Our primary activity is racing Lasers so the clubhouse is only available for Laser boat storage.
There is a limited number of outside racks which may be suitable for non-Laser watercraft such as tender rowing boats. You will need to visit the club to discuss any potential arrangement. This does not include kayaks.
How do I make a tax-deductible donation to the club?
For online transactions, please visit Australian Sports Foundation: asf.org.au/projects/double-bay-sailing-club-incorporated
For all other methods, please email us: secretary@dbsc.com.au
How do I sign up to your weekly newsletter?
Just click on the following link and enter your details: Sign Up Now
What is the deal between your club and the 18 footers?
We have a symbiotic relationship with the Australian 18 Footers where they use our club house as a racing base on Sundays during summer, they also use our support boats for racing, and we run a canteen for sailors. We also provide support each year for the JJ Giltinan championships, the regatta that determines the 18 foot Skiff World Champion.
How do I make a booking at the restaurant?
We are a Laser sailing club with no food & beverage facilities for the public.
The 18 Footers club, located next door by Double Bay ferry wharf, has a bar and restaurant for your entertainment needs.
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