Freedom

The annual newsmagazine of Sailability Australia With contributions from state and territory Sailability Associations, their Sailability programs, Issue 1: 2012/2013 their members, the National Sailability Committee of Yachting Australia and Yachting Australia

WENDY EVANS: Sailing is my passion

SAILABILITY SUPPORTED: New website “Discover Sailing” WHAT DO WE REALLY WANT? YA, ASC, Sailability identify answers MAJOR EVENT COORDINATION: The pleasures and the pitfalls From the helm The year in pictures

WELCOME TO THIS FIRST ISSUE of “Freedom” - Sailability Australia’s exciting new annual newsmagazine. In the spirit of “Sailing for Everyone” - the motto in our new national logo - we’re calling Sailability publications “Freedom”, the essence of Sailability. Clockwise from top left: Sonar team, Sailability Rushcutters Bay’s Steve Churm, (Sailability@RPYC) and Stephen Harris came sixth in the Paralympics in the UK ; Justin Millsom of Sailability Callala (NSW) enjoying the Access Worlds Closing Ceremony; happy student enjoying himself courtesy Sailability Dubai Off- shore Racing Club; Sailability WA’s new coordinator Ann Hodgkinson. Ann was previously in administration with South of Perth Yacht Club as well as a keen sailor. “My new role of coordinator is very rewarding, seeing the happiness and joy that going out on the water brings to our sailors. And the generous volunteers are amazing!”

Freedom is the feeling our members enjoy once they’re in their boats, wind in the hair, water swooshing by. This illustrated eight page magazine- style annual publication celebrates the year in review and the year to come. Articles cover issues of interest to the Sailability family but in greater depth than has been possible in the past. “Freedom” is distributed in December/January in print and electronic versions. A companion e-publication, “Freedom Updates” will appear during the year. This new publishing “model” means you will be informed more frequently about Sailability news. Enjoy the read and good sailing!

Neil Anderson Chairman National Sailability Clockwise from top left: One-time Sailability Hobart’s sailed in the Committee, Yachting Australia 2012 Paralympics in the 2.4mR class and achieved seventh place overall; Michael Yachting Australia Costa, President Dobroyd Aquatic Club with MLA, and Sailability Dobroyd (NSW); volunteer co-ordinator Robert Domone cut the ribbon at opening of the new pontoon; the editor says goodbye to Sailability Newsletter and hello to Freedom –the Newsmagazine; St George Bank’s Dragon hops a ride on Sailability Kogarah Bay’s Freedom (NSW) new safety boat (St George is a corporate supporter.) Editor, Copy, Design, Production, Distribution, Graeme Adam

“Freedom” - The Newsmagazine - is published annually in print and electronic form. “Freedom” updates published electroni- cally twice a year. Distribution to all Sailability branches and through them all members, to yacht clubs via state yachting associations Enjoying the 2012 WA Access Championships hosted by Royal Perth Yacht Club - Contributions for news items up to 50 words Sailability West Australia member – Tracy Odiam and volunteer Kieran Spence; with good hi-res digital images. Ideas for features up to 500 words to the editor at Sailability Manly’s 15 year celebrations, President Evelyn Shervington (right) thanking Jude Cole (centre) and National Sailability Committee delegate Eli Demeny 2 (left) for their contribution to Manly’s program. Sailability news...Sailability news...Sailability news...Sailabilility news ..news...Sailabilility news ...Sailabilility ne-

Gold medallists and sports minister launch Discover Sailing

2012 GOLD MEDALLISTS Malcolm * Learn to Sail Courses – in dinghies and Graeme joined the committee of Page (Olympics), keelboats. Yachting Australia has under- Sailability Western Australia in 2004 (Paralympics) plus Alister Peek (Special taken a major facelift for its two and became President in 2010. He Olympics) joined Federal Sports introductory learn to sail programs owns and ocean-races his beloved 12 Minister the Hon Kate Lundy in October, * A Crew “Matching” service – matching metre yacht Sand Crabs Disco. to launch Yachting Australia’s new aspiring crew via the website with owners. participation program, Discover Sailing. * Promotional material for use by clubs. The launch was held at Canberra Yacht * Tackers - a fun-based junior program, Sailability conference Club with the Sports Minister taking the for 7-12 year olds, developed to give opportunity to get on the water with sailing the “cool” factor that kids are look- THE FIRST National Sailability Page, Tesch, Peek and a group of school ing for and to compete with other sports. Conference since 1998 will be held children and sailors from local Sailability * Sailability - a national program provid- at the Australian Institute of Sport in program, Sailability ACT. ing similar pathways for sailors of all abili- Canberra on 26th and 27th March. ties to be included in all club activities. The conference is scheduled two * Sailing Pathways – the backbone of days prior to the Australian and Asia- progressing & retaining people in sailing. Pacific Access Class Championships * Overall better presentation of clubs, at Canberra Yacht Club. how to find them, and what they offer to All yacht clubs that run Sailability make them more welcoming to people programs and all programs that are new to the sport. run by dedicated Sailability branches For those already involved in sailing, are invited to participate. Sports Minister Kate Lundy at the launch there is an allied website which can be Attendance at the conference accessed via www.yachting.org.au then includes all the presentations; Yachting Australia’s Sport Develop- click on “Participation. accommodation, all meals are free. ment Director Ross Kilborn said the This section carries a detailed explana- A limited number of places are still Discover Sailing program will provide tion of how Sailability works. available, contact Daisy Brooke Clubs across Australia with the tools [email protected] to register. needed to capitalise on the increased interest in the sport. New WA delegate “The Discover Sailing Program is a Fund launched long term Program to build brand recog- nition of sailing as a fun, friendly, acces- SAILABILITY AUSTRALIA, with the sible and affordable sport.” Australian Sports Foundation Fund The site: www.discoversailing.org.au has launched a facility for Sailability What’s in Discover Sailing Program? to take donations for projects * Discover Sailing Days and a National nationally and/or at a local level. Discover Sailing Day, building on the Importantly this fund allows the success of current try sailing days in donor to specify a particular various states. Some States are already program/club/branch they would like conducting these, and all are aiming for GRAEME MARTIN is the new Western their funds directed to, or they can a national day Australia delegate to the national Sailability select a particular project such as * Discover Sailing Experiences – a Committee of Yachting Australia. ‘volunteer training’. new product currently being developed Graeme is a veteran sailor. At the Sydney Slocum Spray Society, Sunsail, and Sturrocks are early donors. 3 to provide a three hour sailing and club Olympics, his crew won Gold in the Sonar experience to newcomers. class and Bronze in 2006 in China. Go to www.yachting.org.au, click on Participation and then Funding. Left: Disability Awareness Training is part of the Sailability program at Port Adelaide Sailing Club; Below: Attracting new sailors and volunteers is paying off at Mornington Yacht Club in Victoria

What do we really want? YA, ASC, Sailability identify the answers

FOR TOO LONG, people in authority, Important enablers to participation Priorities for Sailability with all the best motives, have as- The report identified a range of 1. Improving information available sumed a knowledge of what is best for important enablers to participation. The about Sailability. This has been people with a disability who want to are listed as follows: achieved through the Discover Sailing participate in sport.  providing easily accessible website for the public, the Yachting A new report commissioned by the information on local sport and active Australia website for club officials and federally-funded Australian Sports recreation opportunities members. Both feature attractive and Commission (ASC) has revealed the  reducing the costs associated with informative videos about Sailability and real priorities. participation (e.g. transport, equip- how to get involved. These new activi- (ASC is committed to providing sup- ment, registration fees) ties are complemented by this news- port and advice to increase the number magazine and emailed updates.  increasing staff training (to facilitate of Australians participating in sport and 2. Increasing the opportunities for participation) active recreation.) people of all abilities to become To assist all stakeholders in the sport-  integrating sports opportunities involved by: ing sector, the ASC has conducted a a. Prioritising working with yacht clubs research projects that identify the barri- to increase their inclusion awareness ers to, and enablers of, participation. and practices. b. Adopting the sailing pathway so that sailors can identify their potential progression opportunities. 3. Raising funds to provide equip- ment, facilities, training and educa- tion opportunities for both sailors and volunteers by establishing an Australi- Asking the participants an Sports Foundation Project to enable One such project, conducted in 2010 all Sailability Programs in Australia to with the University of Technology in Raising funds for improved access facilities receive tax deductible donations. at Yacht Clubs is one of the priorities. Above Sydney, resulted in a report titled Sailability @ Kogarah Sailing Club (Sydney) 4. Increasing training and educa- “Participation and non-participation of tion opportunities for volunteers to people with disability in sport and ac- grow the capacity of Sailability tive recreation”. Sports organisations which, since the Programs to increase participation in The report is unique in searching for release of the report, have addressed sailing by people of all abilities. evidence from people with disability, such issues by developing modified Evidence of this will be seen in March rather than relying on the assumptions programs and equipment for people with with the first Australian Sailability Con- from people within the sport sector. disability have experienced increased ference to be conducted in Canberra. More than 1,000 people with a rates of participation within their sport. Yachting Australia and Sailability have disability, (both participants and non- Yachting Australia has engaged with endorsed the Research Report’s participants in sport and active recrea- its National Sailability Committee, with customer focus. tion) provided results for the report. representatives from all of its State It is consistent with significant market Although a number of constraints Associations, to develop a plan to research Yachting Australia undertook affect the participation of people with increase the participation of people of all in late 2011, and formed the basis of disability, individuals did not regard abilities in sailing. The Plan is consistent the Discover Sailing Program, of which with the Research findings i.e. it identifies their impairment as the major reason Sailability is a key component. 4 for non-participation. the priorities for Sailability as follows: Wendy Evans: “Sailing is my passion”

Wendy enjoys a special day out sailing in 25 knots and one metre waves on Port Phillip Bay during the 2004 IFDS Single Person Worlds at Blairgowrie in Victoria. Photo courtesy Vanessa Dudley (then editor of Australian Sailing, now with NSW Maritime Communications)

THIS IS WENDY EVAN’S OWN STORY Laughing off rain and wind about freedom on the water.: “When I'm on the One day, a gust of wind caught Wendy hails from Newcastle. She has Wendy’s 2.3 sail and she lost her Cerebral Palsy. For independence and water I forget my disability. balance before she could let the sail mobility, she uses an electric wheelchair. I'm in control and I’m free." out. "Sixteen years ago I went to a Come and - Wendy Evans “I went head first under the boat Try Day at Sailability Belmont, on Lake and my life jacket saved me. I still Macquarie, had my hat and sunglasses on. “I knew nothing about sailing, I was put “I was rescued and brought back in an Access 2.3 and pushed off. That day to shore where I was asked if I want- opened a whole new world for me. ed to go straight back out again. Of “I have been places I never thought I'd course, my answer was 'Yes go and met so many great people. Sailing please'. and Sailability means so much to me. Another time, I was sailing for fun “When I'm out on the water I forget I at Sailability Port Stephens on the have a disability - all that matters is that dam and got caught in a storm. As I I'm in control and free." was trying to get to the pontoon, the lightning started and that's about the 2004 - a very big year only time I have been scared in a In 2004, Wendy competed in the first sailing boat, I yelled out to the res- World Access Liberty Championships at cue boat to come and get me in fear Blairgowrie, Victoria. that the lightning would strike the “It was one of the biggest things I have mast. I was not the least bit worried ever experienced. My Liberty was set up about being soaking wet as that was with special controls that enabled me to the fun part. Over the years, I have raced and sailed in extreme pouring go out sailing in 25 knots and one metre Wendy in action: loving freedom on the water rain. It's all part of that great feeling waves on Port Phillip Bay with the waves Great memories on the water of being alive.” splashing in my face like someone was “Occasionally dolphins are in our lake,” throwing buckets of water over me! says Wendy. One particular day, I became Changing Wendy’s life “Tacking into the wind, the boat heeled aware there were dolphins around and I Wendy is full of praise for Chris started following on; then the wind picked onto its side. I never had time to feel Mitchell, founder of Access Sailing , up a little and all other sailors went in. scared as I was safely strapped in. and Jackie Kay AM, secretary of “I was out on my own in a 2.3, with, of Sailability World and member of the “ It was far better than any amusement course the rescue boat keeping an eye on National Sailability Committee: park ride I had ever been on. The best me. I was heeling over, going fast, when “Chris and Jackie changed my life, part was that I was in control on my own. all of a sudden, a dolphin came up right making it possible for myself and The experience was out of this world .” beside my boat and was swimming along others with disabilities all over the with me. (In April this year, Wendy participated in world to enjoy freedom on the “If I could have put my hand out, I would water.” the Macquarie Access World Champion- have touched it. I was beside myself with ships at Middle Harbour Yacht Club. She “ I also appreciate the help from excitement. It was an amazing feeling to Sailability Belmont volunteers over has now decided to sail for fun and only 5 be so close to a dolphin that was free,” the years and Sailability Toronto for compete in small local events.) says Wendy. making me welcome.” The pleasures and pitfalls of event coordination

The Macquarie Access Class World Championships was the biggest event Julie Access Class, Middle Harbour Yacht Hodder Club or Sailability had ever been in- volved in. What can we learn for future events, big or small ? We talk to former MHYC Commodore Julie Hodder.

The calm before the first of six full days of action-stations. Some of the 200+ volunteers which included a team from Sailability programs. Some of them are above. L to R: Rob Domone (Dobroyd), Paul Anderson - Kogarah Bay, Glynne Attersall - MHYC Volunteer Coordinator, Reg McQueen - Bundaberg, Howard Courtney - Kogarah Bay, Mike Cuming (Dobroyd) and Richard Byrne (Port Stephens). Photo: Sally O’Neill

How did the whole thing come about? “Then we got various sponsorships from “MHYC member and Sailability/Access individuals and organisations. MHYC vol- supporter Tony Clear first brought the unteers also ran a lot of fund raisers in- proposal to our club. It was only after I cluding and auction, raffles and the selling became Commodore that I knew it was of our Access Worlds wines (a big hit!). on – but then I embraced it – it was the “When the Macquarie Group most rewarding exercise in my life.” Foundation came in as the naming rights sponsor, we were very relieved. However How was the event planned? even with this budget, we needed a huge “Umm... we did not initially know what number of volunteers with the right skills. was involved. We had run World Sailability Manly’s Eli Demeny Championships before, but never for the ‘ hands out lanyards Access boats and never for such a large Wow’ moments? “The opening ceremony and getting the number of people with a disability. first race underway – after the difficult “The Access Association was fantastic – logistics of getting everyone on the boats Things to do better? David Staley and Terry Peek and later Logistics of getting people on the and out on the water. “ the Sailability volunteer team. We had our “The joy on the faces of the medallists water – we underestimated the number first meeting in Feb 2011 and formed a and their supporters at the prize-giving, and expertise required. Huge thanks go committee with MHYC as the Organising the huge smiles when the volunteers to Sailability, Marine Rescue, Maritime Authority, but the Access Association came up front and were applauded.” Services and the Navy. played a major role in helping with the “Also there were a few on-water prob- requirements. Still the event was bigger lems that were recognised and excel- than any of us had initially planned for. lent recommendations for improve- “We met quarterly from then on, but had ments suggested by PRO Mark Pryke. a lot of tasks to do meanwhile and com- “We didn’t realise “A few bottlenecks were experienced municated informally quite often. We split for a while just how at cranes with loading and unloading of the tasks up into various categories. A competitors. comprehensive planning document was big this would be.” “There were problems with having developed and progressed over the year. - Julie Hodder, MHYC competitors racing both morning and Best things about the event? afternoon – often there was not enough “The competitors and the volunteers time for them to have a break.” from the very start. We were just like one big family and have forged many friend- What was the feedback? ships The atmosphere was just “We had incredibly positive feedback fantastic. Also the social events, opening from the event – participants and volun- ceremony and prize giving, the racing teers. Really, everyone enjoyed the fun and the quality of the sailors competing.” and friendliness of the Worlds. “And largely thanks to Paralympian How did you fund the event? Liesl Tesch, we enjoyed national “Getting financial support was one of the coverage on ABC-TV on at least two biggest tasks. Thanks to NSW Sports occasions.” and Recreation grant of $25,000, we Footnote: A 56 post-event report was were able to ensure that the event prepared by the organising committee. 6 process could be at least got under way.” Willing to help: Even the navy were called in More news in pictures Compass Points

News in Brief

The 2012 Access Worlds by MHYC: Winners ....2.3 World Championship - Angus MacGregor (AUS); 303 Single Person International Championship - Michael Leydon (AUS); 303 Two Person World Championship - Tish Ennis & Michael Leydon (AUS); Liberty World Championship - Greg Hyde (AUS); Liber- ty Servo International Championship - Helena Horsewell (NZL); SKUD 18 World Championship– Dan Fitzgibbon and Liesl Tesch. ***** Paul Tayler has won the Sydney Inner West Volunteer Award for 2012. Paul is a member of Sailability Dobroyd and Clockwise from top left: Sailors including some with disabilities will arrive in Australia from Treasurer of Sailability NSW since 1997. the UK on the Lord Nelson in September 2013; Competitors and volunteers at the Partly due to Paul’s good stewardship, inaugural Tasmanian Access Class Championships are looking forward to the 2013 SNSW now has 300 boats worth in regatta; HRH Princess Anne continues her support as patron of RYA Sailability - seen here excess of $2.5 million. with Paralympic sailors from Team GBR’s Alex Rickman and Nikki Birrell; Mike Cull, Yachting WA’s Sailor of the Year with a Disability sails with Sailability@RPYC;

Daniel Fitzgibbon and Liesl Tesch, having won Gold in the London Paralympics, backed up to bag Yachting Australia’s Award for 2012 Sailors of the Year with a Disability. Seen here with MC Cameron Williams (left) and Federal Shadow Sports Minister Luke Hartsuyker ****** A challenge from President of Sailability Tassie, Bob Silberberg: “The support from all the yacht clubs in Hobart for our Sailability crews is something that clubs in other states would be absolutely amazed and put to shame about. Integration is alive and well.in Tasmania.” Clockwise from top left: A crew from Sailability Bayside (Bris) demonstrate the special new backrest developed by volunteer Geoff Pease; commissioning the new RIB at Sailability Cronulla; heading out for a day on the water in the Rotary-funded Payne 24, hosted by Sailability Launceston; taking up sailing at age 84, Yvonne Schramm (left) from Adelaide Sailing Club with Sailability SA committee member Deidre Schahinger at Access Worlds.

From Belgium, Philippe van der Hofstadt writes: “We will be launching our new Belgian Sailability association in April and have invited the Minister of Sport. We are proud to be part of the Sailability family. Thanks to Sailability World and Jackie Kay for your help.” ****** Rose Corporation has become a Sarah Ogilvie, the new Sailability Coordinator at Yachting Vic has competed in two Olympic corporate supporter of The Boatshed in Games, coached at international, state and club level. Sarah was instrumental in the design Melbourne on Albert Park Lake. The and roll-out of recent YV sailing pathways collateral; the 2012 Special Olympics Victorian Boatshed is a project of Yachting Victoria Invitational Games were held in the Latrobe Valley in November. As part of this multi-sport providing valuable support to sailors in- event, a Sailing Regatta was conducted by Latrobe Valley Yacht Club in conjunction with cluding through its Sailability program. 7 Sailability Victoria. Young sailor Joshua Kennedy is with Sergeant Michael Olsen. The Sailability Year: 2013

The year, the major events, where to go for more info and your NSC delegate contacts. Enjoy the freedom!

WA “WA looks forward to a SA “Sailability SA is looking Victoria “For 2013, we aim to year of growth. Sailabil- forward to 2013 with work with Yachting ity at South of Perth more expo’s and public Victoria to make sailing Yacht Club starting has displays to spread the more inclusive and im- increased clubs in WA word about inclusive prove our communication with Sailability sailing in South and support for Sailability programs to three with Australia.” programs.” more to come.” Graham Martin David Staley [email protected] John Johnston [email protected] [email protected] New website: www.sailabilitywa.com.au February 16-17 February 22-24 February 9-10 South Australian Sailability Victorian Access Class West Australian Access Class Championships Championships Championships Port Adelaide Sailing Club Ballarat Yacht Club, Royal Perth Yacht Club www.gryc.com.au www.ballaratyachtclub.com.au www.rpyc.com.au/index.php?id=69

“2012 was a big leap Tasmania NSW “Sailability NSW will “Sailability ACT looks forward with the first ACT continue to support forward to hosting the Access competitive our branches, helping Australian and Asia- event. We intend to each other to Pacific Access Class build on that in 2013 improve our member- Championships and to attract more new ship, thus increasing supporting the members into the number of sailors Sailability Australia Sailability.” on the water.” Conference.” (see national events) Bob Silberberg Eli Demeny [email protected] [email protected] Terry Peek [email protected]

January 19-20 February 9-10 October 26-27 Tasmanian Access Class Access Class Special Olympics ACT State Games Championship Championships hosted by Sailability ACT Derwent Sailing Squadron Gosford Sailing Club Lake Tuggeranong. All SO sailors welcome www.dssinc.org.au www.gosfordsailingclub.com.au [email protected]

Qld “2013 will be a busy and NT “Sailability NT moves for- National Events exciting year for ward with support from Sailability in Queensland. Yachting NT and NT govt. 26 – 27 March New clubs are Activities monthly at Dar- Sailability Australia Conference expected to form in win Sailing Club with sup- AIS Canberra Brisbane, Toowoomba, port from Club and mem- [email protected] Biloela and Mackay. bers. SNT works with Our Pathways program Total Recreation, Henbury March 29-April 1 will expand opportunity School and others to pro- Australian and Asia-Pacific Access for sailors to go solo.” vide alternative avenue of Class Championships John Hamaty sport & recreation.” Canberra Yacht Club [email protected] www.canberrayachtclub.com.au

3 November Sailability Queensland Gary Martin International Day for People with [email protected] Sailability NT A Disability http://www.sailabilityqld.org/ [email protected] www.idpwd.com.au/events

Sailability Australia is the Australian arm of the international Sailability movement with eight state or territory Sailability associations. Australian sailors with disabilities are represented nationally by delegates on Yachting Australia’s Sailability Committee (nominated by State Yachting Associations) and internationally through Yachting Australia’s membership of Sailability World, the International Association for Disabled Sailing (IFDS)