Articles from 2010 and earlier

Sandy MacKinnon talk - Wednesday 20 May

AJ MacKinnon, author of The Unlikely Voyage of Jack de Crow, entertained a large crowd at our May club night.

Proving to be as entertaining in person as he is in the printed word, Sandy enthralled everyone with his ability to see the humour in every situation he found himself in. He regailed WBA members and guests with stories of his epic voyage in a Mirror dinghy, through the United Kingdom, across the English Channel, through many countries in Europe, to the Black Sea, and the response to this evening has been one of universal acclaim! Many people laughed until they cried, and dozens went home with a copy of Sandy's book to read, and hopefully share with others.

To get a taste of what almost 100 members and guests enjoyed on the night, watch a video of Sandy at his book launch at the 2008 Melbourne Writers' Festival.

A special thanks must go to Andrew and Marilyn, who worked behind the scenes to make sure that nobody went hungry.

the audience

Sandy

Sandy MacKinnonthe audience

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Membership is open to all wooden boat enthusiasts. Many members own boats, others do not, but all enjoy the chance to get together and "muck about with boats". Their boats include rowing boats, putt-putts, radio controlled models, pond yachts, canoes, kayaks, steam-powered boats, sailing dinghies, dayboats and ocean-going yachts.

The Wooden Boat Association is based in Melbourne, with regular sailing days scheduled on Albert Park Lake, as well as other venues around Melbourne, and at least one weekend each year elsewhere in the state.

Especially welcome is the first-time wooden boat builder or restorer, who can expect to receive ample advice and assistance in getting their dream onto the water.

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  • Become part of a friendly and sociable group of people with a common interest in wooden boats.
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  • Regular meetings with a wide range of interesting speakers and activities. Our usual venue is the Albert Park Yacht Club, with visits to other venues from time to time.
  • Monthly sailing days, on Albert Park Lake and other locations close to Melbourne.
  • Use of the Association's own boats, two traditional sailing boats, Begonia and Lindsay Symons, our canoe Stringybark, and our extremely rare Port Philip 12.
  • Access to the Association's extensive library of boatbuilding and other nautical books.
  • Companionship with sister associations in other states

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