Issue date
When I say fresh I am not referring to the Rotorua odour, but the new format! Sunday 2nd November was not just the start of a new sailing season for Sailability Rotorua, but the start of a whole new club structure, that will see them become more closely aligned with Rotorua Yacht Club, and move towards the sailors being more involved in the organisation. Regular sailors are also being encouraged to take more responsibility for providing their own gear such as lifejackets, as the design of them can be quite specific to the sailor, depending on their level of disability. Telfer Marine has offered fitting consultations and a discount to Sailability Rotorua members who show their membership card when buying lifejackets.
On Saturday 15th November they turned out with their boats in support of Rotorua Yacht Club’s water sport day, showing how the new arrangement will benefit both organisations. Unfortunately, their own sailing the following day was cancelled due to high winds.
Sailability Northland also started their season with an Open Day on the 8th November. Coach Gary reports they had a fine and warm day for the public who mostly stayed away doing other things. However from their point of view it was worth the effort as they made contact with another potential sailor who has done a lot of boating but no sailing, and a former sailor who is now working with people with disabilities. They will be recommencing the 'learn to sail' afternoon sessions soon, and are looking at the possibility of restarting sessions up at Kerikeri.
Completing the trifecta, Sailabilty Auckland ‘s “ Experience Accessible Sailing” day held on 1 November was well attended by around 18 new people who tried out the SKUD, Sonar, 303 or Liberty. Sailing Coordinator Tim Demsey writes “ It was great to see Ross Ormsby and Kay Arbuckle come up from the newly formed Sailability Waikato . Ross also attended our Volunteer introduction session in the morning with 3 of our new volunteers.”
Four of the sailors have since been back, and they are all now part of Auckland’s regular sailing programmes. Once the weather improves, another four are expected to join the fun sailing group. For many it was a real highlight to get on the water with the more adventurous having a thrilling time in the SKUD. A mother of two children that came to the day said “it was such an amazing day I never thought we would get my son in a boat and he went out twice - I also got to go out with him on the Sonar and it is the closest I have ever been to the ocean”.
Next out of the starting gate will be newly formed Sailability Waikato, who will be holding their first “Have A Go” day at their fabulous venue, Lake Ngaroto on Saturday 29th November. See the attached flier for more information – It looks like it will be a great day!
