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 objectives 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.

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

The Society also welcomes sailing vessels other than Sprays, as our emphasis is on short-handed 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 Regatta out of Lake Macquarie Yacht Club (at Belmont, south of Newcastle). To the best of our knowledge, this was the only such race of Sprays worldwide. It's a rather daunting sight in itself to witness a fleet of Sprays approach the starting line in racing mode, but the old girls attract a lot of attention from local yachties and other interested enthusiasts.

In recent years, with the Society based in Brisbane, the emphasis of the Regatta has shifted to a more leisurely "sail in company" with all sorts of sailing boats. But the old saying "if you get two yachts within sight of one another, then you have a race" remains true. Fortunately, the competition is very friendly, but it surprises many people just how well the Sprays hold their own against much more modern types.

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 boats 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. They are a forgiving boat, handle bad conditions well, and don't scare the crew as much as other designs.

If you would like to join our cruising family, 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, Melinda Taylor, Ph 0421 778 627, or our Secretary, Dennis Robinson, Ph 07 3808 5372.

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

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