Malcolm launches faceboat campaign for Sailors with disabilities

by Deb Jeffreys on 15 Sep 2013 Today, Malcolm Turnbull, the Patron of Sailors with disabilities ('SWD'), launched faceboat -- an innovative fundraising campaign for families to experience the exhilaration of this year’s Rolex Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

Through www.faceboat.org.au, everyone can tick their bucket list and participate in one of the world’s toughest and most exciting blue water classics. With a tax deductible donation of $25, mums, dads, kids and grandparents can have their face on Kayle - the 52ft ocean racer that SWD is again sailing to Hobart on Boxing Day.

Donors will upload a photo of themselves, their children, and maybe even their pets with these to be printed on a mosaic and plastered around the hull of Kayle, a custom-built yacht ergonomically sensitive to the needs of people with a disability.

More than 3,800 snapshots can be placed on Kayle, with SWD confident that schools, companies large and small and other organisations will also participate.

Mr Turnbull, who will attend today’s launch at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia where the Rolex Sydney to Hobart yacht race begins on December 26 each year, said: 'This is a fantastic fund-raising initiative from Sailors with disabilities which last year helped more than 3,000 disabled or disadvantaged people.'

'I have seen first-hand how SWD provides an opportunity for people to experience the wonders of sailing and in the process help change their perception of themselves, builds self confidence and teaches them not to be constrained by their situation,' Mr Turnbull said.

Kayle’s mosaic of photos will be unveiled on Tuesday, 3 December 2013 -- International Day of People with Disability.
The SWD sailing team for this year’s iconic race will again be a mix of inexperienced and experienced sailors, many with varying degrees of disability.

'It's our differences that keep us together and make us understand our circumstance,' said David Pescud, the Founder of SWD.

One of the most anticipated sailing events each year, the Rolex Sydney to Hobart race is viewed by millions and attracts sailing teams and yachts from around the world. The 630 nautical mile yacht race is one of the world’s most challenging ocean races, even for able-bodied sailors.