Wednesday, 23rd November 2016
Hard work spanning thirty years has been rewarded for long time Sandringham Yacht Club member, Stephen Aulich, who has recently been recognised as ‘Official of the Year’ at both a state and national level; additionally, he was recently accredited as an International Race Officer. With accolades such as these all culminating within the last six months we wanted to get an insight into his life and his career.
The 2016 Yachting Victoria Awards held in June at Sandringham Yacht Club proved to be eventful for Stephen when he was named ‘Race Official of the Year’ recognising him for a number of his Race Management efforts including his long term involvement as Principal Race Officer (PRO) at the annual Sail Sandy regatta.
A few months later Stephen received the call to attend the 2016 Australian Sailing Awards as a finalist in the ‘Official of the Year’ category. Held at the Sydney Cricket Ground, guests were “treated like royalty” with the blue carpet spanning entry to exit and champagne on arrival. Mingling with guests on the hallowed SCG turf, “l had to pinch myself and say wow, l’m really here” Stephen said.
In the function rooms above with captive audience, the first award of the night was announced and surprised of his win Aulich ventured to the stage,
“I was really chuffed to win; there were some great nominees and worthy finalists. My wife Amanda asked if I’d prepared a speech, I said I hadn’t, but I don’t have a problem talking so I just made it up as I went along. The night was amazing; it was sensational to mix with the Olympians, Paralympians, officials and the staff who made such a special night happen.
A culmination of years in race management for various regattas and the successful completion International Race Officer Course and exams presented Aulich the opportunity to apply for the IRO accreditation. With a full CV and references from those older and wiser the applications are forwarded to panels of experts from various countries being the first stage of the process. The final approval laid in the hands of the Race Officials Committee at the World Sailing conference held in Barcelona last month.
“Well, it’s a nerve-racking process as they go through all the applicants and give them either a green, orange or red status. I was very excited when I got the ‘green light’ as it meant more opportunities would now be possible. I felt even more honoured as there have been only ten IROs approved this year” explained Aulich.
Stephen, now at the pinnacle of the Race Management hierarchy, began his Race Officers career with his family and a love for the water in mind,
“It didn’t matter what I was doing I just wanted to be in or on the water. I enjoy the community atmosphere and spirit of clubs, having previously been 20 years in Scouting and currently member of Mentone Lifesaving Club and Icebergers.
When our three kids were big enough we got them sailing at Parkdale Yacht Club. As a parent I wanted to ensure my children were safe so I would go out on the rescue boat and be with them.
“I transitioned to Race Management in the ‘80s when a program called ‘Officer of the Day’ was adopted; this was where senior sailors ran the racing for a day at the Club. My first major event was the Windsurfer National Titles in 1990 where I took the role of Race Officer for the regatta.”
With a growing involvement and dedication to the Club, Aulich accepted the role as Commodore of Parkdale Yacht Club from 1995 – 1997.
In 1997 the Aulich family joined Sandringham Yacht Club and Stephen was immediately on SYC’s hit list for a role on the junior training and Off the Beach committee. Accepting this role Stephen helped develop the junior learn to sail program and continued his Race Officers journey,
“Sandringham Yacht Club gave me opportunities to get involved with their sailing and racing teams and very soon I became a Race Officer for regular weekend races. My involvement from there then spanned from Club, State and National events and I was able to gain my National Race Officer accreditation in 2012.”
Stephen is trusted and known by many to deliver an excellent regatta and although there is no ‘secret formula’ to this he explained that there are a number of elements he strives to create at each event, “The biggest point I try to create at any event is open communication. Gone are the days when the RO hides themselves away and directs from an ivory tower. The regatta is for the competitors, not for me, so I find it an important element to know who’s sailing. I like to chat one on one with the competitors and their coaches and adapt the racing to what their needs are. I find that engaging the sailors leaves you with no surprises at the end as you constantly have feedback from them during the event.
Communication is also key for the team of volunteers I have for a regatta. I think that everyone has something to contribute and the volunteers need to feel empowered to do their job well, after all, if they do well it makes me look good.
Finally, everyone’s there to enjoy themselves so I like to join them. Like for junior regattas when I don my black hat the competitors should know there’s a black flag coming!”
After an incredible six months and accolades galore the question of ‘what’s next’ was posed,
“I love being a Race Official – you get to travel and meet people, you’re part of a great community and it can be a lot of fun. With this new title I just look forward to more doors opening.”
When he was pressed on what the next big goal would be Aulich replied,
“Well, I’d love to go to the Olympics, even just to carry someone’s bags – I’d go!”
A stickler for community, Stephen expressed his delight to be involved with such a supportive Club,
“Sandringham Yacht Club has been sensational, they’ve supported me through this journey and I’d like to thank them. The staff, the members and the committee have all been amazing for all these years and luckily my wife tolerates it.”
Stephen now looks forward to taking his old timber AT45 (an ex Tug boat) ‘George’ to Sydney to watch the start of the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race with his family.
SYC Commodore Rob Davis commented that “providing club assisted training and race management pathways for our volunteers has been an important part of our strategic planning. We are delighted for Stephen, and naturally as a club very pleased to have another IRO within our own ranks”.
From all at SYC – congratulations.