The world comes to Sydney

News from the National Sailability Committee of Yachting Australia, state andterritory Sailability Associations and Sailability World. Issue 10 Summer /Autumn 2012

Editor, Copy, Design, Production and Distribution: Graeme Adam graemeadam@sailability.org

2012 IS A BIG YEAR FOR sailors ofall abilities with the Access Worlds inAustralia for the first time. Volunteersfrom Sailability branches are urgentlyneeded. Email Julie Hodder atcommodore@mhyc.com.au

This is the 10th issue of SailabilityNewsletter. Through creating thisnewsletter, Graeme Adam hasenabled Sailability membersthroughout Australia to share theirexperiences with not only their fellowsailors but also current and potentialsponsors of our organization.

The newsletter is a great tool toassist us achieve the goal ofimproving community awareness –it has already done wonders.

I encourage all members throughoutAustralia to send Graeme articles of‘Special’ events that happen in yourarea. Remember this newsletter isyour newsletter & it is about bringingthe Aussie Sailability family together.

Neil AndersonChairmanNational Sailability Committee

WA NSW VictoriaTasmania QueenslandNT SA

Sailability Australia is the Australian arm of the international Sailability movement with eight state or territorySailability associations. Australian sailors with disabilities are represented nationally by delegates on Yachting

Australia’s Sailability Committee (nominated by State Yachting Associations) and internationally through YachtingAustralia’s membership of Sailability World, the International Association for Disabled Sailing (IFDS) and the

Australian Paralympic Committee. 3/12

Newsletter

From the helm

THE AUSTRALIAN ACCESS CLASS ASSOCIATION is working with yacht clubs andState Sailability Associations to stage six class championships in 2012. The season kickedoff on the 15th January with the inaugural Tasmanian Access Class Championship, host-ed by Derwent Sailing Squadron in cooperation with Sailability Tasmania.

The climax of the Access regatta season will be the Macquarie Access Class World &International Championships in Sydney April 7-13, to be hosted by Middle Harbor YachtClub, with the support of Sailability Middle Harbor, Sailability NSW, Macquarie GroupFoundation , Access Class Association and the NSW Government. This is the first eventto include ISAF Authorised Access Class World Championships (Access 2.3 singleperson, Access 303 two person & Access Liberty single person) in Australia.

The waterways around MHYC will be busy this summer with the NSW championships, anAACA National Coaching Clinic, culminating in the Worlds. IACA Executive Officer DavidStaley is expecting around 120 sailors to be competing in Access 2.3, 303, Liberty andSKUD 18. More on the Worlds and the full 2012 program on page 2 .

ACT

SKUD 18s will one of the classes competing in the Worlds. Photo: David Staley

10THISSUE

2006-2012

PROMOTING SAILING FOR ALL is in theDNA of the Sailability crew at BlairgowrieYacht Squadron on Port Phillip Bay (Vic).

BYS was well and truly put on the mapwhen they hosted the IFDS Worlds in2004. Members of the club moved heavenand earth to make this event a success.

The club continued to set the pace in com-mitment and innovation. In 2011 a film

project was developed to facilitate publicawareness of the Sailability experience, tar-geting potential sailors, volunteers,special schools and possible sponsors.

The beautiful DVD, and the elevenassociated YouTube clips and club websitelinks were produced by BYS memberRay McKenna. Click on YouTube and typein Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron. (cont on page 4)

Thoroughly modern Blairgowrie

Page 2 Sailability Australia Newsletter Issue 10, Summer/Autumn 2012

MHYC, Access and Sailability team up

For the Access Worlds and coachingprograms that precede the racing,

the AACA and MHYC are looking tocharter Access boats and safety

boats. Email the AACA’sExecutive Officer, David Staley

david@accessclass.org.*****

Volunteers from Sailability branchesare urgently needed in a variety of

support roles. Contact MHYC Com-modore Julie Hodder ASAPcommodore@mhyc.com.au

*****Churchill’s Lumen Christi Primary

School's are part of Yachting Victo-ria's tackers' program. At LatrobeValley Yacht Club (Vic) students

learn about boat handling and watersafety. While the club manages

Sailability programs for those withdisabilities, working with younger

sailors is the next step.*****

At the internationally supportedRotary Mobility Cup, conducted bythe Royal Hamilton Yacht Club at

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada,Aussie Genevieve Wickham of

Sailability@Royal Perth Yacht Clubfinished in first place in Liberty Classwith 17 points. Making her the North

American Champion!

John Price has been electedPresident of Sailability NSW, Neil

Anderson and Jack Hunt,both Vice-Presidents, Sue Hunt

Acting Executive Secretary with allother positions re-elected.

*****Sue succeeds Tish Ennis who took

over “temporarily” and did anamazing job with both passion and

attention to detail for six years.John Price took over from

Elizabeth Atkin who was SNSW’svery capable President for two years

*****Congratulations to David Fernie ofSailability NSW for the enormous

effort he has put in to creating a freshnew website for SNSW. Now it’s upto members to fill the site with useful

and topical informationdavidvfernie@gmail.com

http://www.sailabilitynsw.org/*****

The next National SailabilityCommittee meeting has been sched-

uled for Saturday 26 May 2012

The Access classes are universal design sailingboats sailed by people of all abilities around theworld. There are now more than 1800 boats sailingworld-wide. The Access 2.3 is an International Sail-ing Federation (ISAF) International Class keelboat.

The 303 and Liberty are ISAF RecognisedClasses. Access 2.3 and 303 fleets throughout Aus-tralia, New Zealand, Asia Pacific, Europe and NorthAmerica continue to grow, with the majority of boatsbeing used in Sailability programs.

The SKUD 18, at 5.8 metres, is the largest of theAccess classes, and is the two person boat selectedfor 2008 and 2012 Paralympic Sailing Competitions.With its asymmetric gennaker and high tech rig, the

boat is an exciting challenge for able-bodied anddisabled sailors alike. The SKUD has been designedto offer exciting high performance sailing for racingsailors regardless of their mobility.

MIDDLE HARBOUR YACHT CLUB, ACCESSCLASS AND SAILABILITY AUSTRALIA areteaming up to stage the Access Class 2012World and International Championships fromApril 7-13. The event is expected to attract over120 disabled sailors from 12 countries.

These Championships will provide a greatopportunity for disabled athletes to demonstratetheir sailing ability in an international arena.The open class is open to competitors of alllevels of ability, providing one of the few sport-ing arenas where disabled athletes compete onequal terms with able-bodied athletes.

Some 80% of the competitors will be disabled.Many are wheelchair bound on land. In compet-ing they will experience a sense of freedom andadventure generally not considered possible.

Oustanding track recordMiddle Harbour Yacht Club, at the Spit,

Mosman, boasts an outstanding track record ofhosting numerous high-profile sailing events,including the Sydney Harbour Regatta and theShort Ocean Racing Championship – the leadup to the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race.With a membership of 1600 and the largest

active sailing membership in Sydney, MHYC isone of Australia's most respected yacht clubs,with numerous Olympians and Nationalchampions amongst its members.

Recognised as a national leader in sail train-ing and aquatic education programs, the Clubpremises is also the home of the AustralianSailing Team.

The Club’s highly-qualified race managementteam, who managed key course areas for theSydney 2000 Olympic Games, will manage theevent with support from Sailability branches.

Planning the Worlds: ACA President Terry Peek,Commodore Julie Hodder & AACA NSW DelegateTony Clear at MHYC

“Best Access regatta ever”MHYC Commodore Julie Hodder: 'We are

delighted MHYC has been chosen to stagethese prestigious championships. We havethe facilities and team to make it the ‘BestAccess Regatta Ever.”

'It’s important disabled athletes have theopportunity to compete internationally. We willbuild on the excellent work undertaken by theClub’s Sailability program for disabled sailorsheld every second Sunday at the Club.”

Over the past 15 years, the Class has gaineda strong following in Australia with activesupport being provided by Sailability workingin close alliance with established sailing clubs.

MHYC has joined with the Macquarie GroupFoundation, Freemasons (Lodge Sir JamesHardy), the NSW Government, Estate Master,and Roads and Maritime Services, ManlyYacht Club and Middle Harbour Skiff Club toprovide volunteers and resources to supportthe program. Rotary are helping via Sailability.

International Access Class AssociationPresident, Terry Peek said: “The IACA isdelighted that Middle Harbour Yacht Club willbe hosting the 2012 Worlds.

‘'The Club has an excellent reputation forconducting high standard events andapproaches the Worlds with enthusiasm andprofessionalism. It will be well supported byAACA and Sailability Australia.”

Sailability volunteers urgently needed. JulieHodder commodore@mhyc.com.au

The Combined World and International Champion-ships will incorporate the following divisions, eachsailing 10 heats over 5 days of racing:- Access 2.3 Single Person Open World Chp

· Access 2.3 Single Person Servo International Chp- Access 303 Single Person Open International Chp· Access 303 Two Person Open World Chp· Access Liberty Single Person Open World Chp· Access Liberty Single Person Servo Intnl Chp· SKUD 18 Two Person International Chp

Competition divisions

About the boats

News from Sailability’sstate associations

CompassPoints

Lachlan Clear, member of Sailability MHYC, iscompeting in the Worlds. Lachlan, 21, deaf and withcelebral palsy, is looking forward to competing.(See “Lachlan Clear Sails Away” on YouTube)

Continued from page 1

Page 3 Sailability Australia Newsletter Issue Summer/Autumn 2012

15-16 JanuaryTasmanian Access ClassChampionshipDerwent Sailing Squadronwww.dssinc.org.au

26th JanuaryAustralia Day RegattaManly Yacht Club/Sailability Manly -Access 303swww.sailability.org/au/manly

27th January.Coaching Clinic State ChampionshipscompetitorsMiddle Harbour Yacht Club

January 28 & 29New South Wales Access ClassChampionshipsMiddle Harbour Yacht Club withSailability Manlywww.accessclass.org/?Page=30801

3-4 MarchSouth Australian SailabilityChampionshipsGoolwa Regatta Yacht Clubwww.gryc.com.au

11 March‘Be Active’ West Australian AccessClass ChampionshipRoyal Perth Yacht Clubwww.rpyc.com.au/index.php?id=69

17-18 MarchVictorian Access ClassChampionshipsLysterfield Sailing Club,david@accessclass.org

24/25 March 2012Special Olympics ACT GamesRegatta,sponsor Bendigo Bank, hosted bySailability ACTLake Tuggeranongterrypeek@bigpond.com

4-5 AprilAACA National Coaching ClinicMiddle Harbour Yacht Club(supported by bequest from the late JimBrown)david@accessclass.org

7-13 AprilAccess Class World & InternationalChampionshipsMiddle Harbour Yacht Clubwww.2012accessworlds.mhyc.com.au

1–6 September2012 Paralympic Sailing CompetitionWPNSA, Portland, UKhttp://www.london2012.com/paralympic-sailing

September tbaIFDS Blind Match Racing (Homerus)Worlds GBR, RNCYC,Rhu, Helensburgh, Scotlandhttp://www.ifds.org

27-28 OctoberSpecial Olympics ACT Multi SportsMini-GamesSponsor Bendigo Bank, hosted bySailability ACT. Lake Tuggeranong.terrypeek@bigpond.com

17/18 NovemberSpecial Olympics ACT Raceand competition training hosted bySailability ACT, Lake Tuggeranongterrypeek@bigpond.com

Major Events2012

Boost for Sailability with YA appointment

At meeting of the National Sailability Committee:Yachting Australia Sport Development Director RossKilborn, YA Participation Manager Daisy Brooks, Chairof the National Sailability Committee Neil Anderson

The ASC has provided funding for twoother projects to be undertaken by YachtingAustralia allowing the appointment of a Par-ticipation Manager, Dr Daisy Brooke.

Daisy will oversee the participation pro-jects in conjunction with YA Sport Develop-ment Director Ross Kilborn who wasappointed to this position after many suc-cessful years as EO of Yachting Victoria .

Daisy was previously employed by YVand prior to that worked in the UK for 10years with sporting organisations. Herbackground in the area of inclusionincluded teaching students with a disability,implementing a community sportparticipation program, and as sportpsychologist with Paralympic athletes.

Daisy believes that a critical step forwardfor Sailability will be to have regularlycompiled accurate data on the current par-ticipation levels within programs and a bet-ter implementation of the Sailing Pathwayfor people with a disability in yacht clubs.

YACHTING AUSTRALIA is fortunate to havereceived funding from the Australian SportsCommission to support a project for Sailability.

This project aims to increase the number ofparticipants in Yachting Australia ‘s learn to sailand learn to race programs as well assubsequent levels of the Sailing Pathway thatinclude club racing and club-based coaching.

Resources will be used to support nationalinitiatives that will provide people with a disabilitythe opportunity to develop their sailing skills at alocal club. The project is a collaborative venturewith Sailability Australia Committee, alreadyworking through the priorities for the project.

This is a great chance for a more consistentnational approach to inclusion that is hoped tohave impact across the sport and not just atrecognised Sailability programs.

First Tassie Access Chps

Joyous sailor

THE INAUGURAL Tasmanian Access ClassChampionships were held at Derwent SailingSquadron on the weekend of January 14th &15th with 11 competitors taking part in the singleperson Access 2.3 & 303s.

Final results saw Matt Schofield take out the2.3 division with five wins, and Rod Viney wonthe 303 division also with five wins.

The competitors were grateful for the support ofthe volunteers and supporters at Derwent SailingSquadron. According to Bob Silberberg, Saila-bility Tassie president and delegate to the NSC,excellent facilities, race management and sup-port should see the event expand in the future.

SAILABILITY KOGARAH BAY (NSW) hassadly said vale to keen Saturday sailorGarry Wilson who suffered debilitatingbrain tumours which precluded him from hisjob of 20 years as a Qantas pilot.

Garry enjoyed his sailing so much he in-sisted on sponsoring a new 303 Accessdingy. His health was deteriorating rapidly,so an urgent champagne launching wasattended by over thirty people including hisfamily, friends and Sailability volunteers.He named the boat ‘Tranquillity’ represent-ing the feeling he experienced out sailing.

Garry was given special permission byDr Charlie Teo, his surgeon, to use the‘Cure for Life Foundation’ logo on the sail .

Garry, to his joy, sailed that morning. Hepassed away 25.11, aged 47, survived bywife Janice and two young sons.

Gary at the launch with SKB’s Howard Courtney

* 3,496 participants in year 2010/2011(only 94 participants at Level 1 or aboveof the pathway)* 2,682 Volunteers involved in Sailability(236 volunteers held either Instructor orAI qualification)* 68 programs at yacht/sailing clubs, 14programs not at clubs

Sailability programs – survey results

Page 4 Sailability Australia Newsletter Issue Summer/Autumn 2012

Thoroughly modern Blairgowrie

10THISSUE

2006-2012Sharing knowledge

nationwide

www.sailability.orgwww.yachting.org.au

News from Sailability’sstate associations

CompassPoints

Improving the effectiveness of thedelivery system and yacht club

participation in the three initiativessupported by the Australian Sports

Commission is the priority forRoss Kilborn as Director, Member

Services/Sports DevelopmentDirector for Yachting Australia.

The three initiatives are Sailability,Tackers and Discover Sailing.

Sailability Pittwater (NSW) recentlycelebrated its 15th anniversary .

attended by patron .John Brogden and local State

Member Rob Stokes.Allan Jones received Life

Membership of Sailability Pittwaterfrom John.

*****No gongs in OZ NY honours, but inthe Old Dart, Rosemary Morrison,

volunteer at New Forest andDistrict Sailability (UK) has been

recognised for services to disabledsailing. Since in 2002, she has

recruited and trained an amazing80 new volunteers.

*****Sailability Queensland President

John Hamaty advises potential forSailability Queensland to improveand expand it’s efforts has been

greatly increased by thesponsorship of Aspect Property

Group with funding of $12000 overthree years.

*****From Bob Silberberg (Tas): “Have

just received information that the(British Sailability) Jubilee SailingTrust tall Ship Lord Nelson will bein Australian waters with other Tall

Ships, September 2013. Heritinerary is Fremantle, Melbourne,

Hobart, then Sydney for theSydney 100 tall ships gathering..

I am led to believe it will be a greatopportunity for wheelchair bound

people to move freely around a TallShip in their wheelchair, including

going aloft.”

Qld president sails in

WHEN active Sailability PresidentJohn Hamaty visits branches, he oftenarrives on his own yacht! So he did whenvisiting Sailability Capricornia at Yeppoon.

According to Capricornia Coast Mirror12.10.12, (in a good example of branch-initiated publicity), John cited SC as “a well-organised and friendly crew”.

“Capricorn Cruising Yacht Club is a greatsupport. But Sailability badly needs a hometo store the pontoon. (Negotiations are un-der way with local authorities).

On a wider front, and with John’s leader-ship, SQ continues to grow with ninebranches and several more in the pipeline.

National Regatta was staged in the ACT.Lots more has happened since, all reportedin Sailability Newsletter.

Sailability Newsletter brings the AustralianSailability family together by sharing newsbetween states and developments from theNational Sailability Committee in partnershipwith Yachting Australia.

Since two years ago, and with help from YA,the newsletter is in hard copy and is now alsomailed to state MYAs and local yacht clubs.

Sailability Newsletter is your channel forsharing with each other inspiring stories ornew ways of doing things. Send your news tothe editor graemeadam@sailability.org

(cont’d from page 1)As well as the DVD (see above) and YouTubeproject, promotion continues via the BYS Out-reach program. A link has been establishedwith the with the local indigenousBoonwarrung people who have come to anumber of special days for Access sailing.

This is a bold initiative and in line withSailability’s ethos of inclusiveness .

Brian Jones, Co-ordinator of Access Sailing /Sailability Program at BYS says: “We want toextend the use of the Access 303s to people ofall ages and all levels of ability, not just thosewho have an obvious and defined problem.”

From the Ballina ShireAdvocate: “ChrisCook has receivedBallina Council’sAustralia Day awardfor outstanding workas a volunteer.

“Chris is a foundingmember and Presidentof the Lennox Head-based NorthernRivers Sailability.

“Chris said ’I lovewhat I’m doing and Ihope it improves thelives of people lessfortunate.’”

Each year Sailability Kogarah Bay hosts the LifeSkills classes from Danebank Anglican GirlsSchool (Hurstville) for a picnic sailing day. It isalways a joy to have them and this year was noexception. During the day they also learn aboutSailability. The girls are sure this is a ‘WorldRecord for a 303 Raft-up’. Who would daredeny them that!

Record for a 303 raft-up?

“Love what I’m doing”

THE FIRST ISSUE of Sailability Newsletterwas back in winter 2006. This year we hit Issue10 and six years of publishing the Newsletter.

Back in 2006, the SKUD 18 had beenlaunched, Sailability pioneer Jackie Kay hadreceived an Order of Australia, Borg, Scottand Adam got a gong from Princess Anne atthe YA Awards, and the first Special Olympics

Photo: Sophie Jackson,Capricornia Coast Mirror

Chris Cook: nationaland internationalchampion in disabilitycategories, volunteer.Photo: Ballina ShireAdvocate