Issue date
The Sailability Whanganui Trust was set up in December 2013 following the visit of a local parent and her disabled child to Sailability Taranaki’s base on the Waitara River.
The proposal was first discussed at the Whanganui Sailing Club and the concept received overwhelming support. It aligned well with the Clubs mission statement of “delivering sailing opportunities for all”. Their 2014 programme has been run using the loan boats and equipment from the New Zealand Hansa Class Association, and with support from the Whanganui Sailing Club.
There were eight Sailability days held throughout the year, three in March/April where students from Whanganui, Feldiing and as far away as Raetihi attended. A total of 28 sailors, took part in sailing on Pauri Lake over these two months. Because the Trust has only two boats the individuals cannot spend much time on the water, and it is better to be more selective as to how many students take part as a lot of the time is spent in waiting.
In the last school term of the year and in conjunction with the Sailing Club’s Learn to sail program, a more formal program was established. Disabled sailors from Whanganui Intermediate School and from Rutherford School attended as well as older members of the disabled community on the Saturday mornings.
There was a total of 22 sailing sessions in all. During this time the two Hansa 303’s and the C -Crane were transferred back to Hamilton to be used at Lake Ngaroto. The Trust was fortunate to receive funding for a Hansa 303 and it has been put to work in conditions varying between30 knots and 5 knots of breeze. The problem of weed in the lake has been a major issue this year, especially when launching and retrieving boats.
The future: 2015 and on.
The Trust is still in its infancy. To be able to provide a successful fun and safe experience, the Trust needs three more boats and a c crane. These are essential to continue the Trusts activities. The jetty will also need improvements.
The willingness of the volunteers to help is vital for the Trusts long term success. The Trust will not be a money making operation and will rely upon the generosity of the various Community Trusts and other funders to be able to cover its operating expenses of rent, insurance, affiliation fees, petrol and other running expenses.
