I wasn't, until I rocked along to the inaugural Communities@Work ''Buoyed Up Regatta'', with Tackers, on Thursday afternoon.

That was when about 50 Canberrans, most of whom had never embraced the sailing challenge before, braved some very indifferent weather conditions to race each other around the lower reaches of Lake Burley Griffin.

Communities@Work CEO Lynn Harwood said the event had been brainstormed between her organisation's fund-raising committee and the yacht club's CEO, Matt Owen.

The idea was for ACT business to engage in a bit of team building by entering the regatta with their staff. Craft were made available by yacht club members, many of whom also donated their own time to skipper the vessels and offer tactical and practical advice and, if necessary, assistance.

Ms Harwood said the response to the initiative had been pleasing and was hopeful the $10,000 fund-raising target would be reached. ''We are waiting for the final weigh up - I hope that is a nautical term,'' she said.

Mr Owen said two categories of yachts had been made available. ''The larger yachts are Magic 25s,'' he said. ''These are 25 footers (7.6 metres),'' he said. ''The smaller yachts are Castle 650s (6.5 metre vessels) that usually race with two or three people and have four to five on these occasions.''

Because big yachts are faster than smaller yachts (it's something to do with drag coefficients and the length of the hull apparently) the two types weren't able to run against each other. As a result there were two trophies for the inaugural Buoyed Up Regatta cup -including a new mug that Ms Harwood, whose accent would not be out of place in the members' stand at Lords, laughingly suggested may one day be as keenly contested as The Ashes or The America's Cup.

Mr Owen said the club was happy to help Communities@Work, and this event in particular, for a number of reasons. There is also the chance one or more of the participants may really enjoy themselves and come back for more.

''Days like this are a great way to engage people with yachting,'' he said. ''We call it a sport for life - it offers something for everyone whether you want to compete in the Olympics or just enjoy yourself in the Whitsundays or on Lake Burley Griffin.''

With its 350 boats and 900 plus members the Canberra club puts many coastal yacht clubs to shame. This is no mean accomplishment for an organisation that was formed half a decade before the body of water that was to become its permanent home came into existence.

The Canberra Yacht Club was established in 1959, a time when the main recreational activity on the lake site was golf.

The club works with Communities@Work to deliver the Buoyed Up program, a course that introduces vulnerable young people aged from seven to 12 to yachting as a way to build resilience and self-esteem.

Its involvement secured the club Yachting Australia's 2013 Sport Promotion Award.

Three thousand years ago the followers of Baal used to sacrifice children to their god. Today we are more humane and have them kissed by politicians instead.

I mention this to draw attention to Canberra federal MP Andrew Leigh's ''welcoming the babies'' event to be held this Saturday.

Dr Leigh actually has form on this subject and has been organising the annual event, designed to welcome our newest citizens and thank their mums and dads for their efforts, since 2011. ''As a parent of three young boys myself, I know the challenging moments that come with raising a family,'' he said. ''[They include] endless nappy changes, throwing food … and early wake-ups.''

The event, to be held at St Margaret's Hall on the corner of Phillip Avenue and Antill Street in Hackett, offers new parents the opportunity to meet others and learn more about a range of organisations including Belconnen Community Services, Gymbaroo, Miracle Babies foundation, Early Childhood Australia, Stroller Mums and Aquatots.

The first dummy spit is expected to occur about 10.30am. There will be face painting, balloons, a sausage sizzle, music, playground and a toy library.