About Us

The Slocum Spray Society of Australia Inc.

About Us

The Slocum Spray Society of Australia Inc. was formed in 1995 with the main objective being to continue the adventuresome spirit of Joshua Slocum and to promote the Spray design as the ultimate cruising boat.

The Australian Society is not affiliated with either the Joshua Slocum Society International, Inc. or any other similar organisation, although we do enjoy sharing our experiences and information.

There are almost one hundred members in the Slocum Spray Society of Australia spread across all states and territories of Australia, as well as overseas. The range of vessels covered by our membership is from 22' trailerables to 50' plus and covers the entire range of recognised building materials - timber, steel, GRP.

We welcome any short-handed cruising sail-boat whose crew interested in sailing and cruising in the adventuresome spirit of Joshua Slocum.

Our history actually began in 1993 when, due to the uncanny popularity of Sprays on Lake Macquarie (north of Sydney), the ten Spray owners there met on a regular social basis. But when a Sydney Spray visitor came to the Lake, he thought he was in heaven because wherever he ventured on Lake Macquarie he found yet another Spray. So in 1995 we formed the Slocum Spray Society of Australia and in the same year held the inaugural Spray race out of Lake Macquarie Yacht Club (at Belmont, south of Newcastle). To the best of our knowledge, this is the only such race of Sprays worldwide. It's a rather daunting sight in itself to witness a fleet of our beloved Sprays approach the starting line in racing mode, but the old girls attract a lot of attention from local yachties and other interested enthusiasts. Similar policy to that of the infamous America's Cup, the race is defended at the home port of the last winner and, on Lake Macquarie, it was held close to or during the Christmas holiday period when more members could be available.

On 10 October 1996, the centenary of the day that Joshua Slocum arrived aboard Spray in Sydney, thirteen Sprays entered Sydney Harbour to re-enact the event. On that sunny spring day, the biggest to the smallest Sprays honoured our hero Joshua in style.

The Society was incorporated in September 2001.

During 2003 most of the Lake Macquarie based Sprays were sold away from the Lake. On 15 May 2004, the Lake Macquarie Committee resigned to allow the election of a new Committee based on Moreton Bay, Queensland, where a large number of Sprays now lie.

Membership Information

The Slocum Spray Society is a very informal, social sailing cruising club. We have no club house, but meet on the water and at functions where the theme is always our beloved Sprays and the fun times we have cruising on them.

The Spray design engenders affection in those who enjoy relaxed cruising due to their comfort, volume, ease of sailing and shallow draft. They are ideal for the cruising couple or family whose aim is relaxation rather than rushing to deadlines, calm level sailing, rather than living life on the lean and hanging on grimly when the wind pipes up.

If that is your idea of satisfying cruising, why not give the President a call and have a chat about the Society and Sprays.

For information about joining the Slocum Spray Society of Australia Inc., please contact the President, Barry Moore, Ph 07 3880 0444.

Please go to our Application for Membership Form which can be printed for mailing.

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