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Val helping at the Breakfast Club (second from left)

Member Spotlight – Valerie Mallet

Our next spotlight highlights a long-time CYCA Member, whose friendly face you may know from the Breakfast Club on a chilly Winter Sunday morning or from her assistance throughout the lead up to the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race each year in the Information Centre.

Valerie Mallet has raced at the CYCA for many years, as co-owner of ‘Sommerbreeze’, and now splits her time between one water activities and volunteering at the Club. Val shares with us some of her favourite memories at the Club and puts her hand up for any maxi looking for crew south this year!

 

CYCA member since: 1993

Favourite CYCA memory:

The Sydney Olympics was an amazing time at the CYCA. The sailing competitors were ‘temporary members’ of the club and used it as their post-race venue. It was particularly exciting when we were able to welcome all the international sailors and congratulate our Aussie competitors and medal winners.

Proudest achievement on the water and at the CYCA:

I sail with my partner, Hans Sommer and our fabulous crew on ‘Sommerbreeze’. Over the years we have competed in the Short Haul, SOPS, LOPS, Winter Series and Twilights.  We’ve had lots of placings in those series but one year we won the SOPS in a very close battle against Ed Psaltis – it was very exciting. Since I retired from full-time work, I have tried to give back a little by volunteering. At the club I have really enjoy being a part of the Breakfast Club and the Sydney Hobart Information Centre teams.

Bucket-list event still to attend/enter:

 I’ve never done a Sydney Hobart but if anyone offered me a fast ride on a maxi I’d take it!

 Best thing about the CYCA:

The location, just a 10-minute walk from home. The atmosphere – where else would you want to be on a warm sunny afternoon but on the CYCA deck with friends? But best of all are the people – the many wonderful staff and fellow sailors I have met over the past 30+ years. I can’t wait to mingle with everyone there again as soon as it is safe to do so.

Favourite sailing book/movie and why:

I love books and movies of real people who pushed the boundaries and achieved incredible things. Two of my favourites are Kay Cottee’s ‘First Lady’ and Jessica Watson’s ‘True Spirit’. Both of these Australian women are an inspiration to all sailors but especially to women. They showed that gender and age are no barrier to realising your dreams. I’m sure that the larger number of female sailors at all levels the sport in Australia now is due in no small part to the achievements of these women.

Outside of sailing I:  Love walking, tennis, skiing, paddling my SUP, travel, family and friends.

Advice to my younger self:

Take every opportunity offered to you as you may never get a second chance. This also means trying new things, pushing your limits as you never know what you are capable of until you give it a go. I would have loved the opportunity to sail at a younger age but, as they say, ‘better late than never’!

 

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