The World Comes to Sydney from the Helm

NT ACT WA NSW SA Tasmania Queensland Victoria

10TH ISSUE Newsletter 2006-2012 News from the National Sailability Committee of Yachting Australia, state and territory Sailability Associations and Sailability World. Issue 10 Summer /Autumn 2012 Editor, Copy, Design, Production and Distribution: Graeme Adam [email protected] The world comes to Sydney From the helm

2012 IS A BIG YEAR FOR sailors of all abilities with the Access Worlds in Australia for the first time. Volunteers from Sailability branches are urgently needed. Email Julie Hodder at [email protected] This is the 10th issue of Sailability Newsletter. Through creating this newsletter, Graeme Adam has enabled Sailability members throughout Australia to share their experiences with not only their fellow sailors but also current and potential SKUD 18s will one of the classes competing in the Worlds. Photo: David Staley sponsors of our organization. The newsletter is a great tool to THE AUSTRALIAN ACCESS CLASS ASSOCIATION is working with yacht clubs and State Sailability Associations to stage six class championships in 2012. The season kicked assist us achieve the goal of th improving community awareness – off on the 15 January with the inaugural Tasmanian Access Class Championship, host- it has already done wonders. ed by Derwent Sailing Squadron in cooperation with Sailability Tasmania. I encourage all members throughout The climax of the Access regatta season will be the Macquarie Access Class World & Australia to send Graeme articles of International Championships in Sydney April 7-13, to be hosted by Middle Harbor Yacht ‘Special’ events that happen in your Club, with the support of Sailability Middle Harbor, Sailability NSW, Macquarie Group area. Remember this newsletter is Foundation , Access Class Association and the NSW Government. This is the first event your newsletter & it is about bringing to include ISAF Authorised Access Class World Championships (Access 2.3 single the Aussie Sailability family together. person, Access 303 two person & Access Liberty single person) in Australia. The waterways around MHYC will be busy this summer with the NSW championships, an AACA National Coaching Clinic, culminating in the Worlds. IACA Executive Officer Neil Anderson David is expecting around 120 sailors to be competing in Access 2.3, 303, Liberty and Chairman Staley SKUD 18. National Sailability Committee More on the Worlds and the full 2012 program on page 2 . Thoroughly modern Blairgowrie

PROMOTING SAILING FOR ALL is in the project was developed to facilitate public DNA of the Sailability crew at Blairgowrie awareness of the Sailability experience, tar- Yacht Squadron on Port Phillip Bay (Vic). geting potential sailors, volunteers, BYS was well and truly put on the map special schools and possible sponsors. when they hosted the IFDS Worlds in The beautiful DVD, and the eleven 2004. Members of the club moved heaven associated YouTube clips and club website and earth to make this event a success. links were produced by BYS member The club continued to set the pace in com- Ray McKenna. Click on YouTube and type mitment and innovation. In 2011 a film in Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron. (cont on page 4)

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) and the Australian Paralympic Committee. 3/12 Page 2 Sailability Australia Newsletter Issue 10, Summer/Autumn 2012

MHYC, Access and Sailability team up Compass “Best Access regatta ever” MHYC Commodore Julie Hodder: 'We are Points delighted MHYC has been chosen to stage these prestigious championships. We have the facilities and team to make it the ‘Best News from Sailability’s Access Regatta Ever.” state associations 'It’s important disabled athletes have the opportunity to compete internationally. We will build on the excellent work undertaken by the For the Access Worlds and coaching Club’s Sailability program for disabled sailors programs that precede the racing, Continued from page 1 held every second Sunday at the Club.” the AACA and MHYC are looking to Over the past 15 years, the Class has gained charter Access boats and safety boats. Email the AACA’s Planning the Worlds: ACA President Terry Peek, a strong following in Australia with active Executive Officer, David Staley Commodore Julie Hodder & AACA NSW Delegate support being provided by Sailability working [email protected]. Tony Clear at MHYC in close alliance with established sailing clubs. ***** Volunteers from Sailability branches MIDDLE HARBOUR YACHT CLUB, ACCESS are urgently needed in a variety of CLASS AND SAILABILITY AUSTRALIA are support roles. Contact MHYC Com- teaming up to stage the Access Class 2012 modore Julie Hodder ASAP World and International Championships from [email protected] April 7-13. The event is expected to attract over ***** 120 disabled sailors from 12 countries. Churchill’s Lumen Christi Primary School's are part of Yachting Victo- These Championships will provide a great MHYC has joined with the Macquarie Group opportunity for disabled athletes to demonstrate ria's tackers' program. At Latrobe Foundation, Freemasons (Lodge Sir James Valley Yacht Club (Vic) students their sailing ability in an international arena. Hardy), the NSW Government, Estate Master, learn about boat handling and water The open class is open to competitors of all and Roads and Maritime Services, Manly safety. While the club manages levels of ability, providing one of the few sport- Yacht Club and Middle Harbour Skiff Club to Sailability programs for those with ing arenas where disabled athletes compete on provide volunteers and resources to support disabilities, working with younger equal terms with able-bodied athletes. sailors is the next step. the program. Rotary are helping via Sailability. ***** Some 80% of the competitors will be disabled. International Access Class Association Many are wheelchair bound on land. In compet- At the internationally supported President, Terry Peek said: “The IACA is ing they will experience a sense of freedom and Rotary Mobility Cup, conducted by delighted that Middle Harbour Yacht Club will the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club at adventure generally not considered possible. be hosting the 2012 Worlds. Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, ‘'The Club has an excellent reputation for Aussie Genevieve Wickham of Oustanding track record conducting high standard events and Sailability@Royal Perth Yacht Club Middle Harbour Yacht Club, at the Spit, approaches the Worlds with enthusiasm and finished in first place in Liberty Class Mosman, boasts an outstanding track record of with 17 points. Making her the North professionalism. It will be well supported by American Champion! hosting numerous high-profile sailing events, AACA and Sailability Australia.” including the Sydney Harbour Regatta and the Sailability volunteers urgently needed. Julie Short Ocean Racing Championship – the lead Hodder [email protected] up to the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race. With a membership of 1600 and the largest About the boats active sailing membership in Sydney, MHYC is one of Australia's most respected yacht clubs, The Access classes are universal design sailing with numerous Olympians and National boats sailed by people of all abilities around the champions amongst its members. world. There are now more than 1800 boats sailing Recognised as a national leader in sail train- world-wide. The Access 2.3 is an International Sail- ing Federation (ISAF) International Class keelboat. ing and aquatic education programs, the Club The 303 and Liberty are ISAF Recognised John Price has been elected premises is also the home of the Australian Classes. Access 2.3 and 303 fleets throughout Aus- President of Sailability NSW, Neil Sailing Team. tralia, New Zealand, Asia Pacific, Europe and North Anderson and Jack Hunt, The Club’s highly-qualified race management America continue to grow, with the majority of boats both Vice-Presidents, Sue Hunt team, who managed key course areas for the being used in Sailability programs. Acting Executive Secretary with all Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, will manage the The SKUD 18, at 5.8 metres, is the largest of the other positions re-elected. event with support from Sailability branches. Access classes, and is the two person boat selected ***** for 2008 and 2012 Paralympic Sailing Competitions. Sue succeeds Tish Ennis who took With its asymmetric gennaker and high tech rig, the over “temporarily” and did an boat is an exciting challenge for able-bodied and amazing job with both passion and disabled sailors alike. The SKUD has been designed attention to detail for six years. to offer exciting high performance sailing for racing John Price took over from sailors regardless of their mobility. Elizabeth Atkin who was SNSW’s very capable President for two years Competition divisions ***** Congratulations to David Fernie of The Combined World and International Champion- Sailability NSW for the enormous ships will incorporate the following divisions, each effort he has put in to creating a fresh sailing 10 heats over 5 days of racing: new website for SNSW. Now it’s up - Access 2.3 Single Person Open World Chp to members to fill the site with useful · Access 2.3 Single Person Servo International Chp and topical information - Access 303 Single Person Open International Chp [email protected] http://www.sailabilitynsw.org/ · Access 303 Two Person Open World Chp Lachlan Clear, member of Sailability MHYC, is ***** competing in the Worlds. Lachlan, 21, deaf and with · Access Liberty Single Person Open World Chp The next National Sailability celebral palsy, is looking forward to competing. · Access Liberty Single Person Servo Intnl Chp Committee meeting has been sched- (See “Lachlan Clear Sails Away” on YouTube) · SKUD 18 Two Person International Chp uled for Saturday 26 May 2012 Page 3 Sailability Australia Newsletter Issue Summer/Autumn 2012

Boost for Sailability with YA appointment Major Events 2012 The ASC has provided funding for two other projects to be undertaken by Yachting Australia allowing the appointment of a Par- 15-16 January ticipation Manager, Dr Daisy Brooke. Tasmanian Access Class Championship Daisy will oversee the participation pro- Derwent Sailing Squadron jects in conjunction with YA Sport Develop- www.dssinc.org.au ment Director Ross Kilborn who was appointed to this position after many suc- 26th January Australia Day Regatta cessful years as EO of Yachting Victoria . Manly Yacht Club/Sailability Manly - Daisy was previously employed by YV Access 303s and prior to that worked in the UK for 10 www.sailability.org/au/manly years with sporting organisations. Her 27th January. background in the area of inclusion Coaching Clinic State Championships included teaching students with a disability, competitors implementing a community sport Middle Harbour Yacht Club participation program, and as sport January 28 & 29 At meeting of the National Sailability Committee: psychologist with Paralympic athletes. New South Wales Access Class Yachting Australia Sport Development Director Ross Daisy believes that a critical step forward Championships Kilborn, YA Participation Manager Daisy Brooks, Chair for Sailability will be to have regularly Middle Harbour Yacht Club with of the National Sailability Committee Neil Anderson Sailability Manly compiled accurate data on the current par- www.accessclass.org/?Page=30801 YACHTING AUSTRALIA is fortunate to have ticipation levels within programs and a bet- ter implementation of the Sailing Pathway 3-4 March received funding from the Australian Sports South Australian Sailability Commission to support a project for Sailability. for people with a disability in yacht clubs. Championships This project aims to increase the number of Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club participants in Yachting Australia ‘s learn to sail Sailability programs – survey results www.gryc.com.au and learn to race programs as well as * 3,496 participants in year 2010/2011 11 March subsequent levels of the Sailing Pathway that (only 94 participants at Level 1 or above ‘Be Active’ West Australian Access include club racing and club-based coaching. of the pathway) Class Championship Royal Perth Yacht Club Resources will be used to support national * 2,682 Volunteers involved in Sailability www.rpyc.com.au/index.php?id=69 initiatives that will provide people with a disability (236 volunteers held either Instructor or the opportunity to develop their sailing skills at a AI qualification) 17-18 March local club. The project is a collaborative venture * 68 programs at yacht/sailing clubs, 14 Victorian Access Class Championships with Sailability Australia Committee, already programs not at clubs Lysterfield Sailing Club, working through the priorities for the project. [email protected] This is a great chance for a more consistent 24/25 March 2012 national approach to inclusion that is hoped to Joyous sailor Special Olympics ACT Games have impact across the sport and not just at Regatta, recognised Sailability programs. sponsor Bendigo Bank, hosted by Sailability ACT Lake Tuggeranong First Tassie Access Chps [email protected] 4-5 April AACA National Coaching Clinic Middle Harbour Yacht Club (supported by bequest from the late Jim Brown) [email protected]

7-13 April Access Class World & International Championships Middle Harbour Yacht Club www.2012accessworlds.mhyc.com.au Gary at the launch with SKB’s Howard Courtney 1–6 September 2012 Paralympic Sailing Competition SAILABILITY KOGARAH BAY (NSW) has WPNSA, Portland, UK sadly said vale to keen Saturday sailor http://www.london2012.com/paralympic- Garry Wilson who suffered debilitating sailing brain tumours which precluded him from his September tba THE INAUGURAL Tasmanian Access Class job of 20 years as a Qantas pilot. IFDS Blind Match Racing (Homerus) Championships were held at Derwent Sailing Garry enjoyed his sailing so much he in- Worlds GBR, RNCYC, Squadron on the weekend of January 14th & sisted on sponsoring a new 303 Access Rhu, Helensburgh, Scotland http://www.ifds.org 15th with 11 competitors taking part in the single dingy. His health was deteriorating rapidly, person Access 2.3 & 303s. so an urgent champagne launching was 27-28 October Final results saw Matt Schofield take out the attended by over thirty people including his Special Olympics ACT Multi Sports 2.3 division with five wins, and Rod Viney won Mini-Games family, friends and Sailability volunteers. Sponsor Bendigo Bank, hosted by the 303 division also with five wins. He named the boat ‘Tranquillity’ represent- Sailability ACT. Lake Tuggeranong. The competitors were grateful for the support of ing the feeling he experienced out sailing. [email protected] the volunteers and supporters at Derwent Sailing Garry was given special permission by 17/18 November Squadron. According to Bob Silberberg, Saila- Dr Charlie Teo, his surgeon, to use the Special Olympics ACT Race bility Tassie president and delegate to the NSC, ‘Cure for Life Foundation’ logo on the sail . and competition training hosted by Sailability ACT, Lake Tuggeranong excellent facilities, race management and sup- Garry, to his joy, sailed that morning. He passed away 25.11, aged 47, survived by [email protected] port should see the event expand in the future. wife Janice and two young sons. Page 4 Sailability Australia Newsletter Issue Summer/Autumn 2012

Thoroughly modern Blairgowrie “Love what I’m doing” Compass From the Ballina Shire Advocate: “Chris Points Cook has received Ballina Council’s Australia Day award News from Sailability’s for outstanding work state associations as a volunteer. “Chris is a founding member and President Improving the effectiveness of the of the Lennox Head- delivery system and yacht club participation in the three initiatives based Northern supported by the Australian Sports Chris Cook: national Rivers Sailability. Commission is the priority for (cont’d from page 1) and international “Chris said ’I love Ross Kilborn as Director, Member As well as the DVD (see above) and YouTube champion in disability what I’m doing and I Services/Sports Development project, promotion continues via the BYS Out- categories, volunteer. hope it improves the Director for Yachting Australia. reach program. A link has been established Photo: Ballina Shire lives of people less The three initiatives are Sailability, with the with the local indigenous Advocate fortunate.’” Tackers and Discover Sailing. Boonwarrung people who have come to a number of special days for Access sailing. This is a bold initiative and in line with Qld president sails in Sailability’s ethos of inclusiveness . Brian Jones, Co-ordinator of Access Sailing / Sailability Program at BYS says: “We want to Photo: Sophie Jackson, extend the use of the Access 303s to people of Capricornia Coast Mirror all ages and all levels of ability, not just those who have an obvious and defined problem.”

Record for a 303 raft-up? Sailability Pittwater (NSW) recently celebrated its 15th anniversary . WHEN active Sailability President attended by patron . John Hamaty visits branches, he often John Brogden and local State arrives on his own yacht! So he did when Member Rob Stokes. visiting Sailability Capricornia at Yeppoon. Allan Jones received Life According to Capricornia Coast Mirror Membership of Sailability Pittwater 12.10.12, (in a good example of branch- from John. initiated publicity), John cited SC as “a well- ***** No gongs in OZ NY honours, but in organised and friendly crew”. the Old Dart, Rosemary Morrison, “Capricorn Cruising Yacht Club is a great volunteer at New Forest and support. But Sailability badly needs a home District Sailability (UK) has been Each year Sailability Kogarah Bay hosts the Life to store the pontoon. (Negotiations are un- recognised for services to disabled sailing. Since in 2002, she has Skills classes from Danebank Anglican Girls der way with local authorities). On a wider front, and with John’s leader- recruited and trained an amazing School (Hurstville) for a picnic sailing day. It is 80 new volunteers. always a joy to have them and this year was no ship, SQ continues to grow with nine branches and several more in the pipeline. ***** exception. During the day they also learn about Sailability Queensland President Sailability. The girls are sure this is a ‘World John Hamaty advises potential for Sailability Queensland to improve Record for a 303 Raft-up’. Who would dare National Regatta was staged in the ACT. deny them that! and expand it’s efforts has been Lots more has happened since, all reported greatly increased by the in Sailability Newsletter. sponsorship of Aspect Property Sailability Newsletter brings the Australian Group with funding of $12000 over 10TH Sailability family together by sharing news three years. ISSUE Sharing knowledge between states and developments from the ***** 2006-2012 nationwide National Sailability Committee in partnership From Bob Silberberg (Tas): “Have with Yachting Australia. just received information that the THE FIRST ISSUE of Sailability Newsletter (British Sailability) Jubilee Sailing Since two years ago, and with help from YA, was back in winter 2006. This year we hit Issue Trust tall Ship Lord Nelson will be 10 and six years of publishing the Newsletter. the newsletter is in hard copy and is now also in Australian waters with other Tall mailed to state MYAs and local yacht clubs. Back in 2006, the SKUD 18 had been Ships, September 2013. Her Sailability Newsletter is your channel for launched, Sailability pioneer Jackie Kay had itinerary is Fremantle, Melbourne, sharing with each other inspiring stories or Hobart, then Sydney for the received an Order of Australia, Borg, Scott new ways of doing things. Send your news to Sydney 100 tall ships gathering.. and Adam got a gong from Princess Anne at the editor [email protected] I am led to believe it will be a great the YA Awards, and the first Special Olympics opportunity for wheelchair bound people to move freely around a Tall Ship in their wheelchair, including going aloft.”