Local Chandlery Helping Young Sailors Take on Meaningful Roles Offshore

Will Baum didn’t grow up in a sailing family—but that didn’t stop him from falling in love with the sport. At 12 years old, he was “thrown into a cadet” and never looked back. By 16, he was working in a local marine store, and over the next few years, he threw himself into dinghy sailing, laser racing, and eventually offshore keelboats.

He rebuilt his first keelboat, a 1977 half-tonner called Too Farr, with his dad—an experience that taught him not just boatwork, but the grit and community behind sailing. After years of racing and working in the industry, the opportunity came during COVID to take over the family business. What started in a cramped 20-square-metre office has since grown into Discount Yachting Marine Supplies (DYSC), now one of Victoria’s largest independent marine suppliers.

Will delivering his Sydney 32 from Sydney to Geelong

But for Will, it’s never just been about selling gear.

“Sailing gave me my first job, my first mates, and the confidence to do hard things,” he says. “Now I want to make sure other people—especially young sailors—get the same chance I had.”

That’s why Will and DYSC, for the last three years, has been proudly sponsoring the ORCV Winter Series and investing in programs that make offshore sailing more accessible, more inclusive, and safer for the next generation.

Why Support the ORCV Winter Series?

For Will, backing the 2024–25 ORCV Winter Series made perfect sense. It’s a race series that’s about more than results—it’s about growth. The destination races challenge crews, while the return legs are designed to give novice sailors the chance to take the lead.

“I love that part of it,” says Will. “It’s an opportunity for new people to step up, try new roles, and really learn. On our boat, there’s no judgment—we don’t just stick someone on the rail. We get them on tactics or the main and give them a proper go.”

That hands-on, inclusive mindset is what DYSC is all about.

Investing in Youth, Not Just Gear

It’s one thing to say you support the next generation. It’s another to actually make it easier for them to get started. That’s why DYSC partnered with ORCV to create the ORCV Next Gen Ocean Racing Starter Kit, the first of its kind in Victoria—a discounted gear pack designed to remove financial barriers for young offshore sailors.

“We don’t want cost to hold anyone back,” says Will. “This is about giving young sailors a fair go.”

Where it all begin. DYSC smaller 20 sqm space before the expansion. (Photo provided by Will Baum)

Food, Gear, and the Essentials That Matter Offshore

Will knows that gear alone doesn’t make a great sailor—but it sure helps when it’s the right stuff. That’s why DYSC has expanded well beyond basic supplies.

They’ve recently started stocking On Track Meals, a high-quality freeze-dried food range that’s quickly becoming a favourite among offshore crews.

“They’re tasty, they’re compact, and when you’re tired or seasick, they’re easy to eat,” Will explains. “It’s one of those simple things that can actually make a huge difference to morale and performance.”

And for those who take their gear seriously, big news is on the way: DYSC is about to launch the largest in-store Musto range in Victoria.

“We’ve teamed up with Musto to give our customers access to the best wet weather gear around,” says Will. “Whether you’re heading to Hobart or just want to stay dry on Port Phillip, we’ve got you covered.”

It All Comes Back to Community

DYSC may have grown into an 800-square-metre operation, but Will still sees it as a community business at heart. He’s a sailor first, and that’s reflected in everything they do—from pricing and product choices to youth sponsorships, event support, and the way they treat every customer who walks through the door.

DYSC's newly expanded floor space. Photo provided by Will Baum 

You’re just as likely to get a tip about how to rig your boat as you are to get help finding the right safety gear. For Will and his team, it’s never just about making a sale—it’s about building trust, supporting the sailing community, and helping people feel confident on the water. That commitment extends behind the counter too—Will actively employs young people in his chandlery, giving them firsthand exposure to the marine industry and the skills that come with it.

He’s also a strong believer in the basics. One of his go-to recommendations? A good safety knife. “It’s not just for the foredeck. I always keep one in my lifejacket. They’ve come in handy more times than I can count,” he says.

His own sailing journey is a big part of that perspective. In 2025, Will took part in the Apollo Bay Race as navigator—a role that brought everything full circle.

“I’d done the ORCV courses and it was the first time I got to really apply that training under race conditions. It gave me the confidence to step up.... It’s our turn now to give that back and help the next generation come through.”

And that’s what drives every decision behind DYSC—whether it’s supporting the Winter Series, offering youth discounts, or launching new partnerships with brands like Musto and On Track Meals. It all comes back to helping people get out there and enjoy what sailing has to offer.

DYSC's stock now covers the full boating range. Photo provided by Will Baum 

Entries Close July 31

If you’ve been thinking about joining the ORCV Winter Series, now’s the time. Entries close here on Thursday 31 July , and the event offers something for everyone—from those just starting their offshore journey to crews fine-tuning their skills for bigger races ahead.

“Whether you're young, experienced, or somewhere in between,” says Will, “the Winter Series is a great place to challenge yourself, meet great people, and be part of something that builds sailors—not just race results.”

Melissa Warren/ORCV Media