Koombana Bay Sailing Club finalist for Australian Sailing Club of the Year

As awarded in early October, the recognition means the Koombana Bay Sailing Club now has a one-in-three chance of receiving the national title, set to be decided later this month.

Koombana Bay commodore Sarah Twigger and vice commodore Deri Price both began in their positions in October 2020, at a time when the club was just coming out of closure due to COVID-19 related lockdowns.

Twigger, who has been involved with the club's committee for several years, said at first she thought there was "no way" she could be commodore when it was suggested she should nominate.

"COVID-19 lockdowns had hit so the club had to be shut down for a period of time.

"I had a lot of things that I thought the club should do and I realised if I didn't step up, then I wouldn't have the opportunity to try and implement them.

"We've now been able to implement a lot of different things which is thanks to everyone being really supportive of all my crazy ideas," Twigger laughed.

Through strategic decisions around how to revamp the club, both Twigger and Price's dedication to the club meant a 114 per cent increase in club memberships post 2020.

The outdoor alfresco area of the club was also upgraded, which is available for the 550 members on the books to use year round.

In the 18 months since being elected, the duo said they had seen a significant jump in female memberships and overall presence at the club.

As the first female pairing of commodore and vice commodore in the club's history, Twigger said she believed their nomination in their roles "broke down the barrier" that sailing was just a sport for men.

"When I first started eight years ago, there weren't many women involved, but we slowly had a lot of women coming down, getting on boats and saying oh I wanted to try this for ages but I didn't think I could.

"We now have at least half a dozen female skippers who are racing in our club.

"There's a real idea I think that sailing is a really male dominated sport but some of the most incredible females are really competently taking control of the sport, which is amazing."

Price also made it clear that in addition to the female presence at the club, the "nicest men sail", and that there's just "something special" about the sport of sailing.

She said it wasn't exclusive, and that it was just everyday, "normal" people who take part.

"Sailing is all about mindfulness. We all have busy days at work but when you get out there on the water and you have this lovely sail you come back thinking wow, that was fantastic.

"It's really pleasant just being out there in good company and enjoying nature. The sailing on this water in summer is just beautiful."

The recipient of the Australian Sailing Club of the Year will be announced on November 25, where Koombana Bay Sailing Club will go up against the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria and the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in New South Wales.

Twigger said just being shortlisted for the award was exciting.

"It's also really good for Bunbury because it shows other country club's that you don't have to be an enormous club from the city to be recognised."

Koombana Bay Sailing Club will hold its annual 'Discover Sailing Day' for the community to enjoy on November 20. Visitors of all ages can expect to enjoy a taste of the Koombana Bay, both on sail boats and as part of the West Coast Outrigger Canoe Club, also based at the club grounds.