Volunteers step up to support Festival of Sails

More than 90 volunteers joined forces to work at the 2022 Festival of Sails, contributing almost 3000 unpaid manhours to support the event.

From international race officials to local mums and dads prepared to make sandwiches, volunteers from their late teens to their eighties put their hand up to take on a broad range of jobs and responsibilities.

Festival Chairman Roger Bennett said the volunteers played a critical role in the delivery of a successful event and he was incredibly grateful for their contribution.

"Quite simply, we couldn't do it without them," he said.

"I am so impressed that so many people are prepared to donate their time to our event."

"For some, like our race officials, it's an opportunity to develop and broaden their skill sets, for others it's a chance to catch up with old mates and have some fun. Either way, we're always very grateful that they're here."

For former competitor Steve Neunhoffer, this year marked his 25th year as a volunteer at the event as part of the race management team.

"It is a real highlight for me, and I'll be happy to keep volunteering for as long as I can," he said. "It's a great event and we always have a great time."

While the number of volunteers at the 2022 event was a little lower than previous years, Roger Bennett said the fact that people were prepared to make a commitment to support the Festival despite the challenges of delivering a Covid-safe event, was a testament to their commitment.

"They're a terrific bunch and they need to know their efforts are appreciated... and they are!"