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We are dedicated to upholding the adventuresome spirit of Joshua Slocum and to promoting the Spray design as the ultimate cruising vessel.

Joshua Slocum was the first man to circumnavigate the world alone (1895 - 1898) in an 11 metre sailing craft - the "Spray", which he built himself. We believe that his seamanship skills and attitude to sailing are worthy ideals for all cruising sailing-boat skippers and crew who sail short-handed, whether they wish to cross oceans or cruise our coast.

The Slocum Spray Society of Australia, based on Moreton Bay, Queensland, is a friendly group of like-minded people who own Sprays and some other cruising sail-boats, or who are seeking to own a Spray or a cruising sail-boat, or who enjoy the history and spirit of Joshua Slocum and his Spray.

The aims of the Society are:

• to provide a focus for all things relating to the Spray design,

• to research Joshua Slocum, especially in relation to his time in Australia,

• to provide opportunities for Spray owners and other members to meet socially around the common interest of the Spray and Joshua Slocum, and

• to facilitate members sailing with a short-handed crew to develop an appreciation for the seamanship skills and attitude that Joshua Slocum personified .

Members are encouraged to use their boats to enhance their sailing and seamanship skills as much as for social pleasure. Scheduled sail-aways include a social gathering.

Members' boats include sloop, cutter, ketch, schooner and gaff rigs. They are constructed of steel, fibreglass (GRP), and wood. Most members' Sprays have been constructed to Bruce Roberts plans, and include Spray 22, Spray 27, Spray 28, Spray 33, Spray 36, Spray 40, and many variations of these. Several have been built in timber based on the original lines provided in Joshua Slocum's book "Sailing Alone Around the World".

The Society holds an annual regatta on Moreton Bay in June and at the same time conducts the Annual General Meeting and election of officers. Members receive a lively and informative newsletter "The Spray" 4 times per year.

The International Slocum Spray Owners Group provides a forum for Spray design owners to discuss their boats, their experiences, and generally talk Sprays and cruising.