IFDS Worlds start today at Blairgowrie

by Di Pearson on 18 Jan 2004 The first ever IFDS World Championship gets underway today at Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron as part of the Sail Melbourne International Regatta.

Officials at Blairgowrie are in countdown mode, having already given the 22 competitors the opportunity the opportunity to get out on the Bay to test the Liberty dinghies, the conditions and themselves.

On Port Phillip Bay In a steady 12-15 knot breeze, building to 18 knots at times, on flat water with blue skies, what more could one ask for as a practice day prior to the main event.

Competitors laughed and joked as they came ashore, Blairgowrie officials seemed pleased with the way the day went – as they should for all the hard work they have put in to ensure the success of this event.

As if they sensed something special was taking place, a pod of dolphins played amongst the fleet, singling Australian sailor, Colin Johanson, out for special attention, playing alongside his boat and accompanying him out to the Bay, as if making sure everything was alright with man and boat.

One spectator noted, it was one of the most heart-warming experiences to watch competitors as they headed for shore – laughing, making jokes. ‘You could see they were having a ball, it made me realise how free they are out there, and they know that and appreciate it. When you think how many people with disabilities are at the mercy of others, dependant on others for their various needs, but on the water, it just them and their boats, they looked so free.’

Racing at this event will be undertaken in the Chris Mitchell designed 3.6 metre Liberty. It is an exciting, fast and high-pointing dinghy and it is hoped that the design will be chosen for the 2008 Paralympic Games, which would make it only the second Australian design to represent at Olympic/Paralympic level.

The International Foundation for Disabled Sailing has been very supportive of the event and Accredited IFDS Classifiers Charlie Simpson (CAN), Anne Allen (USA) and Stephen Wilson (AUS) will officiate, along with Technical Delegate Phil Vardy (AUS). The International Jury will include Noel Allen (AUS), Joe Butterfield (NZL), Garry Wagstaff (NZL), John Collings (AUS) and Paul Withers (GBR).

In the past few days, so many volunteers and officials, including a number of past Blairgowrie Commodore’s were in evidence, making sure competitors every needs were met. Competitors were carefully put in sling and craned to their boat, seats adjusted, everything made just right.

A special lift has been installed at the Club, courtesy of one kind donor, to take competitors up to the main second story main entertaining, food and beverage facilities. The entire volunteer team is committed to ensuring this regatta will be an outstanding success.

Their attitude demonstrates a complete willingness to make the competitors, their carers and the spectators comfortable, with all problems being addressed with speed, no fuss and a lot of support.

Spectators are welcome to view the IFDS Worlds on Port Phillip Bay off Blairgowrie. Racing gets underway at 11.00am and 2.00pm each day, with a lad day on January 20.

For this event and all Sail Melbourne news, go to: www.sailmelbourne.com.au