Ready to hit the high seas

By Andrew Stackpool

DO you have a sense of adventure, team spirit and above all a strong sense of humour and desire for fun?
Are you prepared to be “stretched”? Do you want to test your limits? Then the Northsail Committee is looking for you to participate in the annual Northsail adventurous training and personal development program.

Held over 50 days between April 18 and June 6, Northsail, the ADF’s largest adventurous training event features two yachts sailing from Sydney to Townsville and return in a series of 10 legs.

Each leg is of five days’ duration – one day for crew introductory sail training, three full days of coastal sailing and a spare day to allow for weather delays and other contingencies.

Northsail comes under the auspices of the Head, Defence Personnel Executive, and is managed by a committee of ADF/ADO personnel who have extensive managerial, seagoing and sailing backgrounds.

Eight people crew each yacht on each leg. Two are professionally qualified skippers and mates; the others are volunteer crew from the ADO. There are 120 crew berths available.

According to Northsail Director, Flight Lieutenant Rob Saunders, previous sailing experience is not necessary for crew members.

“Northsail does have basic criteria in that people are reasonably fit and can swim 50m,” he said.

“The aim of Northsail is to develop crew individual and team qualities that will enhance their sense of self and workplace performance.

“We also want to improve their knowledge through practical experience of Australia’s maritime heritage and environment and, for some, provide an opportunity to gain recognised sailing skills.

“So, we are looking for people who are prepared to stretch themselves in a demanding environment, outside their normal comfort zones.

“Above all, we want people who have a good sense of humour and sense of fun.”

Since its inception in 1992 Northsail has never had a shortage of volunteers and the fact that some are repeat crew indicates the program’s success.

Further details may be found on the Northsail web site at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/northsail/.

Applicants who don’t have intranet access should contact Northsail’s Director of Personnel, Lorraine Vahland, on (02) 6265 1718.

Applications for berths must be made via the website.

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