Some might think the winter season is quiet for us here at Sailability WA however that couldn’t be further from the truth! Thank you to Rachael Cox and our volunteers for their work behind the scenes over the last few months and to those who attended the busy bee earlier this week, including a couple of UWA students, everything is sparkling and ready for the opening of our Summer Supported Sailing Programs with the season starting on Wednesday 16th October 2024 and Thursday 17th October 2024.
We had another enjoyable Finding Freedom Fundraising luncheon on 16 August at RPYC with many thanks to Craig Ibbitson, Tony Carter and Aimee O’Hare for their tireless efforts in organising the luncheon once again. Thanks also to our many sponsors and generous donors who helped make the day possible.
We’re also pleased to advise we’ve displayed our sponsors and supporters on the jetty signboard.
With thanks to a WADSA grant, organised by Kyllie Whitehead, we’re able to offer a FREE learn to sail program for our members!
Applications for membership are now open with the membership year starting on 1st October 2024. I hope you enjoy reading this edition of Finding Freedom!
With warmest regards,
Gary Griffiths | President | Sailability WA
‘Lost at See’ sailed in Sciez, France! Written by Eric Seery
My first World championships – I felt confident, excited and well supported – I was going to give it my best shot! In June 2024, I competed with Kylie Forth and Erin McGlew as part of the “Lost at See” sailing team in the blind match racing world championships held in Sciez, France.
Being new to competition sailing, I had a lot to learn in a very short timeframe. We had help from our coach, Sailability WA and RPYC volunteers to get race ready in under 4 months. I was so proud of how much I learned over 22 training sessions and I really felt as though I was helping the team sail fast.
On arriving into the base at Sciez, we were warmly welcomed by the local club. An early practice sail helped us settle right in and we all felt great. When the other teams arrived, I loved hearing the sounds of reunited friends, with some competitors connecting for the first time in 5 years. By the end of the regatta, I had new friends from other countries and I expect I’ll be one of those people reconnecting at future regattas.
The racing was exciting and there were so many extra things I learned on the job. We sailed well overall, as a result of being process driven, having clear directive communication, consistent boat handling and returning to basics like where the wind is, power circuits and weight movement. I’m so grateful to have been a part of this adventure.
Another successful Finding Freedom Fundraiser!
We officially named our two new 303 dinghy’s, purchased from proceeds of last year’s luncheon, the Lorelle and RetraVision.
MC Craig Ibbitson welcomed guests, who heard from SailabilityWA President, Gary Griffiths; John Rillie – Head Coach of the Perth Wildcats and Grant Alderson & Genevieve Wickham. Guests were entertained during the Funding Freedom Cup and there were raffle prizes and auction items galore!
Funds raised at this year’s luncheon will go towards a new boat for our fleet. Thank you to all who supported our annual fundraiser, either attending on the day or donating online. See the pictures here: Photo Gallery – Finding Freedom 2024 – Sailability WA.
Genevieve and Grant are defending their title!
After taking the Gold at the 2023 RS Venture Connect Worlds in Germany, this year Genevieve Wickham and Grant Alderson are heading to Rutland, England to defend their title in the Inclusive category of the RS Venture Connect World Championship 2024.
This inclusive sailing event, where sailors with disabilities compete together with an able-bodied partner, is being held from 30th September to 3rd October.
You can read more about their upcoming adventure here: Meet The Team: AUS’ Genevieve Wickham & Grant Alderson (rssailing.com) We wish Genevieve and Grant all the very best for the event. Safe travels!
2024/25 Summer Season Opening / Membership is open!
Our 2024/2025 Summer sailing season will commence on Wednesday 16 October and Thursday 17 October and run through to April 2025, on site at Royal Perth Yacht Club, Crawley.
Membership is now open and membership renewal or new membership applications can be made online here, on or before 1st October 2024 for the season ahead.
Members can register for our Wednesday or Thursday Supported Sailing Programs, book a boat for sail training with a RPYC Coach, apply for national and international championship funding assistance and support an inclusive organisation offering sailing opportunities to people with disabilities! All our events are now in a calendar format on the homepage of our website.
NEW INITIATIVE! Start sailing course for SWA Members
We are very proud to announce a Learn to Sail course in Hansa 303’s for Sailability WA participants and their support worker/carer. This Start Sailing 1 Course will be delivered by Royal Perth Yacht Club from the 30th September through to the 4th October (last week of school holidays). Registration closes 27 September.
Participants need to be a Sailability WA member (apply here) to take part in this FREE course, thanks to a grant from the WA Disabled Sports Association (WADSA).
Register here for this Start Sailing 1 course, delivered by Australian Sailing qualified instructors. Your support person can register for free, to sail alongside a person with a disability, without taking out a Sailability WA membership! When registering for the Start Sailing 1 Course use the discount code: HANSA100. Places are limited.
Volunteers needed – Can you help?
Would you like to make a difference to people with disabilities?
We’re calling for Volunteers to help us provide our supported sailing programs running on Wednesdays, Thursdays and social sailing Sundays from October to April. Volunteering is a rewarding experience and full training is provided. Our annual Volunteer Training Day will take place on Wednesday 18th September at the Dinghy Division from 10am to 12.30pm. For more information and to register as a volunteer visit our volunteering webpage or contact Rachael Cox. Become a Volunteer – Sailability WA
Summer season (October to April) Hours of Operation
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9am to 3pm, by phone or email.
Program Coordinator
Rachael Cox
Email: office@sailabilitywa.org.au
Phone: 0404 145 499
