Cruising

Take a look at this 4 minute video of a typical short cruise on the River Murray.

TSASA Cruising in General

A wide range of cruising locations are visited by the TSASA.  A calendar of planned cruises is prepared each year and major cruises are proposed over a year ahead.  The Sailing Captain is responsible for the overall scheduling of cruises and races, however all members are also encouraged to propose cruises to add to the calendar at any time. Sometimes cruises are conducted at short notice when conditions are favourable and a number of members are interested.  Members may request approval of the Committee to lead an event based on their prior experience and knowledge of the area.  

Major Cruises  (at least one is planned each year)

Generally every year a major long distance cruise will be conducted to locations such as the Whitsundays (Qld), Tin Can Bay/Fraser Island (Qld), Moreton Bay/The Broadwater (near Brisbane) or Tasmania.  These cruises, including travel, can take up to 5 weeks in total.   We plan these well ahead so that annual leave can be booked and preparations made in plenty of time.  Generally any destination that warrants 3 weeks of cruising time will fit into this category as will most destinations that require more than 3 days of travel.

In addition, most years a major cruise to an intermediate distance locations such as Myall Lakes/Port Stephens (NSW), Gippsland Lakes (Vic), Sir Joseph Banks Group (SA) or Coffin Bay (SA), is planned.  These cruises, will usually take no more than 2 days travelling and an approximate duration of 2 weeks on the water.

Short Cruises  (more than one every year)

• Every June long weekend we run a River Murray cruise.  Apart from the relaxing cruise along the majestic river novelty events such as a quiz to be completed as you cruise, a campfire cooking competition or the annual pentaque competition add to the fun along the way during the family oriented event.

• Every Easter we have a trip in the Lower Murray Lakes or Coorong based from Clayton Bay or Goolwa with a visit from the Easter Bunny guaranteed. 
• Other short cruises may be arranged to locations generally within a few hours drive from Adelaide such as the SA border area of the River Murray, Glenelg River (Victoria) or Port Vincent to name only a few.

All sailing events endorsed by the TSASA and included in the official TSASA Calendar comply with the TSASA Safety Management System and Code of Practice.

Frequently members extend the official cruise period by arriving early or departing later to enable more time exploring the area independently. 

Individual members also attend cruises organised by other sailing organisations. Several of these events are supported by the TSASA, although they are not part of our official calendar.  These events are referred to as 'Non TSASA Events' in our calendar with links provided to the external club running the event so that members can access information about the event. This is just one of the ways we assist members to maximise the use of their boats.  Typical examples include the Milang - Goolwa Classic in January each year; the Spencer's Gulf Cruise each March; and the Port Vincent Saltwater Classic held in April.

In addition, TSASA racing events are usually coupled with a cruising and social component such as an overnight stay on the water and a group dinner to enable participation for those not so keen on racing.  This extends the race event that is generally over in a afternoon into a weekend providing plenty of opportunity to explore the area and socialise.

The TSASA Cruise Coordinator has responsibility for the cruising program with each event having an Event Leader or Leaders, selected for their knowledge of the destination and their sailing experience. The Cruise Leader(s) are responsible for day to day planning and leadership throughout the cruise. All participants are provided with detailed information about the cruise and what to bring in the Sailing Instructions produced by the Event Leader.  This ensures that members going to a new area for the first time are well informed and prepared.

See the next TSASA cruise on our Events page