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Carcoar Dam Sailing Club

A Brief History

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In the late 1950's Orange had three water storage reservoirs - Spring Creek, Gosling Creek and Lake Canobolas. Of the three only Lake Canobolas was open to the public. In 1958, under the supervision of Joh Runeman, three double kayaks were built by the Runeman, Boers and McGrath families. The first outing at Lake Canobolas created a lot of interest from onlookers. Unfortunately it also upset the ranger who informed the families that canoes and kayaks were banned from the lake because some years before someone had drowned whilst paddling a home-made tin canoe. At the same time, the Hueneke family brought a fold-up canvas canoe that also carried a small sail. They were told they could use their craft - but only under sail, as no one had drowned using a sailing boat.

After some consultation with the authorities, sanity prevailed. Because of the interest shown in these first three kayaks, the seeds were sown to form a club. A public meeting held at the Royal Hotel, Orange in August 1960 saw the formation of the "Orange Sailing and Canoeing Club", to compete on Lake Canobolas.
(Sincere thanks to Hank Runeman for the above information)
1951
Pre-history:
Sailing on Lake Canobolas, 1951
 
In 1969, the canoe section split to form its own club, and the sailors became the Orange Sailing Club. The first sailing boats (Moths, Herons and Pelican trainers) were constructed by club members under the supervision of Joh Runeman at Orange Showground. Subsequently, Flying 11’s and Northbridge Juniors were constructed.
 
After a Regatta in which 45 boats took place, it was realized that Lake Canobolas was too small for the fleet and a larger expanse of water was sought. Approaches were made to Orange City Council to sail on Suma Park and Spring Creek dams, but permission was refused. A go-ahead was granted, however, from the Water Resources Commission to make use of the waters of Carcoar Dam. The Carcoar Dam on the Belubula River (approximately three miles upstream from Carcoar) was officially opened on 11 December 1970.
 
From 1973, with the help and cooperation of Fred Mendham, Orange Sailing Club transferred its operations from Lake Canobolas. The club was renamed Carcoar Dam Sailing Club (CDSC) on 2nd November 1975. Initially, no facilities were available but willing hands constructed pan toilets, sun shelters and a boat shed for the rescue boat by 1977. In 1979, after looking at several buildings, the club purchased and rebuilt an ex-army hut from Blayney Showground to provide an all-weather shelter for families, while sailing enthusiasts were out braving the weather. Built by the members, on the north-eastern foreshore of Carcoar Dam, on Fred Mendham’s land, the clubhouse was opened on 26th January 1980. It soon became the social focus point of the club’s activities.
Historical Photos
---> CDSC Historical Photo Galleries <---

By 1977 CDSC had the largest membership of all the sailing clubs in the Central West, with a very large junior sailing contingent every weekend. In September 1978 they adopted the latest V.Y.C. Yardsticks for use in racing.
 
With the continuing drought of 1981-83, no sailing at all took place at Carcoar Dam due to low water levels, with the water level at only 11% by November 1982 (and practically empty at 2% in 1983!). Sailing took place at Oberon and Burrendong Dams instead, and the 1984 Annual Regatta was held at the Fish River Dam, Oberon. Yet the 1981-82 season saw the installation of a new shower block, water and septic tanks, and trees planted around the Clubhouse. By 1984-85, once the drought had broken, water levels were back upto near full capacity at 90%. The 1985 Regatta witnessed 77 boats competing (both seniors and juniors) and 300 people camped around the Clubhouse – an amazing weekend demonstrating rural resilience.
 
In 1989, CDSC won the Keepit Cup at the Keepit Dam Regatta (near Tamworth) – for the ninth time. Season 1990-91 saw 35 different boats sailed throughout the season. The mid 90’s saw the club known amongst the sailing community as “The Friendliest Club in the West”. By the late 1990’s due to various factors, including national financial stresses, long-term local sailing families moving on, along with the closure of most of the other local sailing clubs, CDSC had shrunk to only 12 financial members, although a dynamic sailing program was kept in place.

The early 2000's saw some major construction at the Clubhouse site, thanks to the involvement of Sailability, including a new boatshed, disabled amenities block, wheelchair ramps and front decking.
Historical Photos
---> CDSC Historical Photo Galleries <---

Yet, into the 21st century, CDSC remains one of the last remaining active and financially-viable sailing clubs in the Central West, with the thanks to its loyal members, many unseen volunteer manhours, and the introduction of Sailability Central West’s use of the Club’s facilities to promote sail training for both schools and disabled groups. Currently, 2006 sees a pro-active core group of members witnessing the club slowly expanding with new members and families participating, along with an effective presence on the Internet. There are even spare boats available for visitors to use during the warmer months the club sails each Sunday.

Currently, the five-year drought sees the water level falling below 12% in early 2007, disabling organised sailing upon our lake, yet members continue to regularly meet socially and sail at other nearby venues.
  
November 2006 saw CDSC turn 31 years old. With our roots dating back to 1960, sailing has been faithfully represented in this region for over 46 years.

Keep the wind free.

 
Mal Kiely & Hank Runeman

January 2007
Historical Photos
---> CDSC Historical Photo Galleries <---
Contact from an old Club Member... update

I was lucky to be Commodore of the CDSC 1990-92 and your site brought back some very pleasant memories. I now live in a small coastal village called Callala Bay located at the northern end Jervis Bay NSW.
I am still sailing and currently own a 8 meter yacht (Full Keel) and sail at least once a week on the bay and sometimes to Kiama or Ulladulla for some "Outside Fun". Jervis Bay is one of best sailing waters in Australia.
I am also involved with the local junior sailing school of which we have 16 assorted dinghies kids from all round the surrounding area and we currently have 37 kids registered for training every second Saturday. During the week the local primary school is one of  the only schools that I am aware of that has sailing as a outdoor? subject.  We also cater for "Sailability" with three 2.3  Access dinghies on Thursday & Saturday.

Barry "Robbo" Robertson
Tuesday 19 Dec 2006

Timeline
(Year by Year – rough draft version only)
construct
 
1970
* Carcoar Dam completed and opened 11 December 1970.


1971-72
Orange Sailing Club Officials
President: Hank Runeman
Vice President Peter Byrne
Secretary: Sharon Hughes
Treasurer: Stan Ipson
 

1972-73
Orange Sailing Club Officials
President: Rex Goode & F. Boers
Vice President: Hank Runeman
Secretary: Les Hughes
Treasurer: Stan Ipsen
Club Patron: Joe Runeman
* Sailing races begin at Carcoar Dam
* First Orange Sailing Club Regatta held at Carcoar Dam, 18th March 1973.
* Club Fees: Family $15  Singles $3  Junior $1
 

1973-74
Orange Sailing Club Officials
President: F Boers
Vice President: B Chester
Secretary: W Illing
Treasurer: S Ipsen
Publicity: L Hughes
 

1974-75
Orange Sailing Club Officials
President: W Vaughn
Vice President: Hank Runeman
Secretary: F Boers
Treasurer: M van Gool
Publicity: S Vaughn
* Toilets first installed at CDSC on 11th May 1975.
 

1975-76
CDSC Officials
President: W Arthur
Vice President: C Stevenson
Secretary: F Boers
Treasurer: H Runeman
Publicity: W Vaughn
* First full sailing season held on Carcoar Dam.
* Orange Sailing Club becomes CDSC on 2nd November 1975.

1976-77
CDSC Officials
Commodore: C Stevenson
Vice Commodore: B Chester
Secretary: F Boers
Treasurer: H Runeman
Publicity: G Horsnell
Patron: J Runeman
* 1977 – first boatshed erected by members (on site of present Sailability boatshed)
* Purchase of first club rescue motor boat

 
1977-78
CDSC Officials
Commodore: C Stevenson
Vice Commodore: W Vaughn
Secretary: T Brown
Treasurer: H Runeman
Publicity: G Horsnell
* November 1977 – front gate and flagstaff first installed
* CDSC had the largest membership of all clubs in the Central West.
 

1978-79
CDSC Officials
Commodore: Hank Runeman
Vice Commodore: F Collins
Secretary: T Brown
Treasurer: P Anderson and M Byrnes
Publicity: G Horsnell and Alan Scott
* September 1978 saw CDSC start racing using the latest V.Y.C. Yardsticks for all classes.
* Building of CDSC Clubhouse, July - November 1979.
 
 
* CDSC Clubhouse opened on 26th January 1980.
 
 
1981-82
* No sailing at all took place at Carcoar Dam due to low water levels. Dam level at 11% in November 1982. Sailing took place at Oberon and Burrendong Dams instead.
* Installation of new shower block, water and septic tanks, and trees around Clubhouse planted.
 
 
1982-83
CDSC Officials
Commodore: Bert Driver
Vice Commodore: Norm Stevens
Secretary: Kate Brady
Treasurer: Hank Runeman
Handicapper: Ferdi Boers
Patron: Fred Mendham
* November 1983 – Dam level at 18%
* Due to low water levels, the 1984 Annual Regatta was instead held at the Fish River Dam, Oberon.

 
1984-85
CDSC Officials
Commodore: Bert Driver
Vice Commodore: Hank Runeman
Secretary: Fred Collins
Treasurer: Tony Williams
Publicity: Winston Preller
Handicapper: Marion Stevenson
*At the 1985 Regatta, 77 boats competed and 300 people camped around the Clubhouse.
* 1984-85, Carcoar Dam was at 90% capacity.

 
1985-86
CDSC Officials
Commodore: Chris Stevenson
Vice Commodore: Hank Runeman
Secretary: Fred Collins
Treasurer: Tony Williams
Publicity: Mark Braithwaite
Handicapper: Marian Stevenson
* Australia Day Long Weekend 1986, CDSC’s Silver Jubilee 25th Anniversary Regatta saw 72 boats competing.

 
1986-87
CDSC Officials
Commodore: Roy Finch
Vice Commodore: Bob Ludham
Secretary: Jacquie Stevenson
Treasurer: Cliff Hutchings
Publicity: Robert Centolani
Handicapper: Bob Lewis

 
1989-90
* CDSC “Inc.” (Incorporated)
* In 1989, CDSC won the Keepit Cup at the Keepit Dam Regatta (near Tamworth) – for the ninth time.
* Club Championship  1st Peter Goldie  2nd Chris Wood and Joshua Goldie  3rd Cliff Hutchings and Emily Nunan

 
1990-91
CDSC Officials
Commodore: Barry Robertson
Vice Commodore: Joel Rooskov
Secretary: Chris Wood
Treasurer: Peter Goldie
Publicity: Rebecca Nunan
Handicapper: Cliff Hutchings
* 35 different boats sailed throughout the season.
* Clubhouse’s 10th Anniversary 26th January 1990

 
1991-92
CDSC Officials
Commodore: Barry Robertson
Vice Commodore: Joel Rooskov
Secretary: Chris Wood
Treasurer: Dave Bedford
Publicity: Jan Hutchings
Handicapper: Cliff Hutchings
* Club Championship  1st Peter Goldie  2nd Chris Wood  3rd Dave Clark

 
1992-93
CDSC Officials
Commodore: Peter Goldie
Vice Commodore: Darak Goldie
Secretary: Chris Wood
Treasurer: Dave Bedford
Publicity: Jan Hutchings
Handicapper: Cliff Hutchings
* Club Championship  1st Dave Clarke  2nd Aaron Goldie  3rd Bert Driver
 
 
1993-94
CDSC Officials
Commodore: Peter Goldie
Vice Commodore: Tim Meyrick
Secretary: Chris Wood
Treasurer: Darak Goldie
Publicity: Jan Hutchings
Handicapper: Cliff Hutchings
* CDSC is known amongst the sailing community as “The Friendliest Club in the West”
 
 
1994-95
CDSC Officials
Commodore: Darak Goldie
Vice Commodore: Bert Driver
Secretary: Chris Wood
Treasurer: Peter Goldie
Publicity: Bruce Southwood
Handicapper: Cliff Hutchings
* Club Championship 1st Aaron Goldie  2nd Bert Driver  3rd Peter Goldie
 
 
1995-96
CDSC Officials
Commodore: Bruce Southwood
Vice Commodore: Bert Driver
Secretary: Chris Wood
Treasurer: Peter Goldie
Publicity: Bronwyn Schumann
Handicapper: Cliff Hutchings
* Club Fees: Family $50  Single $40  Junior $15  Associate $20
 
 
1996-97
CDSC Officials
Commodore: Peter Cannon
Vice Commodore: Bert Driver
Secretary: Tony Cathcart
Treasurer: Tony Williams
Publicity: Elynne Pettiford
Handicapper: Cliff Hutchings
* 12 financial members
* Large water tank install on top of the hill in 1997.
 
 
1998-99
CDSC Officials
Commodore: Hank Runeman
Vice Commodore: Tony Williams
Secretary: Timothy Hone
Treasurer: J Hewitt
Handicapper: C Hutchings
* First website opened in 1998.
 
 
1999-2000
CDSC Officials
Commodore: Hank Runeman
Vice Commodore: R Windsor
Secretary: Timothy Hone
Treasurer: Tony Williams
Publicity: B Southwood and S Turner
Handicapper: C Hutchings

 
* Sailability Central West uses CDSC as its base, c.2000-onwards

 
* Website recreated by Peter Durkin, November 2004
* New Amenities block, including disabled access toilet, constructed c.2004.
* Front deck of Clubhouse built c. 2004

 
2004-05
CDSC Officials
Commodore: John Ford
Secretary: Greg Unwin
Treasurer: Dick Benson
Publicity: Geoff Body
Handicappers: Marcia Lac and Rosie Body
* Inside of clubhouse repainted by Mark Fletcher and Marcia Lac, and front windows replaced by Hank Runeman.
* Wheelchair access ramp for clubhouse constructed.
* Aluminium windows installed in the front of the clubhouse.
* As a result of an ongoing drought, water levels have been dropping. By season's end they are at 20% capacity.

 
2005-06
CDSC Officials
Commodore: Marcia Lac
Secretary: Greg Unwin
Treasurer: Dick Benson
Publicity: Geoff Body
Handicapper: Marcia Lac
Website: Mal Kiely
* Sailability launch their newest Access 303 “Pink Lady”
* Donation of Laser and Topper to use as spare sailing boats.
Sources

Hank Runeman
Orange Sailing Club and Carcoar Dam Sailing Club Meeting Minutes
Carcoar Dam Sailing Club Press Releases and Scrap Book 1982 - 1993
Central Western Daily
Lyndhurst Shire Chronicle
Australian Sailing
Historical Photos
CDSC Historical Photo Galleries
(Contact the webmaster regarding any comments/questions about this site)