sailing family

Melissa Yeomans

Some things take time

Like many I have had to take some time to figure out what this (2020) means and the best way to navigate it. Today is one of those days where I have taken some time out to attempt to plan ahead. I haven’t updated my blog in part because I have just been trying to figure out what it means for my company, those involved as either employees or ambassadors and myself. All of this has come at a time for us where we had taken on some extra help and were looking at our plans for the future and what that means for my parents within the business.

A couple of months ago we started to put into place procedures to manage and cope with what 2020 was throwing at us. The biggest change has been the fact that my father has not been able to be out spending time with our customers, instead he is with us in the warehouse. Normally Winter in particular he gets to travel the country chatting to many in our Industry, now it is on the phone. I guess we had a little heads up as we were speaking to suppliers in other countries and hearing what was happening to them.

Another big change is realising that I most likely will not be heading to Europe as normal to catch up with our suppliers in person, many we consider friends. So instead we make sure to keep in touch via email, phone calls or if possible depending on time differences utilising the camera and a mixer setup for us all to be involved in the chat.

Talking product development and learning as much as possible about the products available to us is possible remotely but not the same. Luckily we have developed such a great partnership with our brands that we are able to do this still, despite being so far away.

So whilst this year is different, many of us are still able to enjoy a moment on the water doing what we love. That first moment back on the water really reminded me why I put so much into DeckHardware, I honestly love seeing more and more people enjoy the sport of sailing and spending time outside on the water and in the sea air.

At this moment I am not sure what the Summer Season will hold for us. If I will get to travel as much to events as last year or if I will be in the warehouse more. The Aussie Skiffs will no doubt play a part and shape who can work when, with the guys looking forward to the season ahead.

Winter fun with the Skiffs and the first time back on the water.

Melissa Yeomans

It is the Sailing Season

Nath on GAC Pindar
Nath on GAC Pindar

I really am so lucky to be born in Sydney and into a Sailing Family. Last week the Extreme Sailing Series was in Australia taking place on our Beautiful Sydney Harbour. I spent three days on the headland cheering on my oldest friend Nathan Wilmot as he was steering GAC Pindar along with Tom Slingsby who we sponsor onboard Oman Air. I joke that Nath is my oldest friend as in he was born first and we have known each our whole lives. It is not that he is old hahahaha. Although the Saturday of the EXSS was his 35th Birthday which was mentioned regularly by the commentary team.

It was great to sit on the Hill with his Family and in particular his Mum (my mum’s best friend) who was back in Sydney to watch. Who would have thought growing up that we would find ourselves here. Two little kids who loved to sail and would play with little boats to test each other on rules while away on my grandfathers boats. Now Nath is a Gold Medallist and skipper of amazing boats and I am organising a Sailing Expo for our city! Sailing was always going to be a huge part of both our worlds growing up surrounded by sailors and Sydney Harbour. We have it good. Yes of course I have asked Nath to be involved in the Expo and like all those I have spoken to the answer is of course, if I am in Sydney I am there! Thanks guys it means a lot.

I do hope the Extreme Sailing Series comes back to Australia in the future. It was fantastic to watch especially with so many Aussies involved! We really are so strong as a nation when it comes to Sailing. To have such stadium racing in a location that allows for so many spectators is fantastic. We are lucky! Not to mention some pretty cool Sydney Icons in the back ground.

It has been such a busy time at work with the Sailing Season in full swing. Throw in the Sydney Sailboat Expo and all that needs to be done for that and I am certainly busy!

This morning I walked the CYCA dock to check out what was happening and have a look at a couple of the newer boats. Less then a week away from the start and once again I will be part of the Start Team for the second line. This year I expect to be BIG. The SOLAS Big Boat Challenge saw more spectators then ever before with so many Maxi’s Sailing. Boxing Day will no doubt be even bigger then ever and I don’t think the weather will scare away the spectators if it is overcast if the SOLAS Big Boat Challenge was anything to go by.

The big question is how many Helicopters will be above us this year?

Melissa Yeomans

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE AUSTRALIAN OLYMPIC SAILING TEAM

In 2009 members of the Australian Sailing Team approached us to see if we would be interested in supplying Liros Rope.  Being a small family business this would be a big commitment but how could we say no to such talented sailors and friends. Many of the team members we had known when they were sailing at club and state regattas back in their junior days.  Mal Page has been a part of our extended sailing family for many years from the days of Flying Elevens along with the entire Jensen family. Nathan Outteridge has also been a part of our sailing family not only from his junior days but in particular his time at DeckHardware with Mel as her on road sales rep when he was starting out on his campaigns.

Early in 2010, Liros Rope Australia formed an Official Supplier relationship with the Australian Sailing Team. We are so proud of all of the sailors and look forward to meeting up with them when they return to Australia.

Since 2010 we have introduced PROtect Tape to our range of products working with Pietro Parmegggiani.  During this time Pietro worked with Nathan Outteridge and Iain Jensen to put together a kit for use on the 49er which is now available around the world with their photo and signatures on the cover.

We have enjoyed watching the London 2012 Olympics knowing we have been a small part in helping the sailors achieve their dreams.  We look forward to following all of the sailors in their choice of future events.  Thank you for all of the late nights and sharing the journey with all your fans.  You are an inspiration to all young sailors and wonderful ambassadors for our sport.   Let’s spread the word that sailing is one of the greatest sports and everyone can get on the water and enjoy just like we all do.