‘What I love about Sailability' a good news story

by Event Media on 8 Nov 2005 Over the last ten years, sailors with disabilities and willing volunteers, supported by the able-bodied sailing fraternity and the business community have built up a remarkable network in NSW of some 23 clubs. Sailability is dedicated to promoting the fun and freedom of sailing, regardless of ability. Sailability members are passionate about what they do. Here are some quotes ‘from the heart’ and warm recollections over the last 10 years.

Grahme Rayner - Vice-President, Sailability NSW, sailor (leg amputee), Port Stephens, ‘I started with Sailors with disAbilities, before joining Sailability. I enjoy a close relationship with everyone. I travelled to USA this year at the invitation of Rotary International to address 40,000 delegates about Sailability at the Rotary International 100th Anniversary conference in Chicago. I have also been privileged to assist countries like Japan to set up Sailability there and want to continue to help other countries do likewise.’

Maria Dalmon – Pittwater, cerebral palsy, ‘I love sailing. Sailability has given me a real sport, a sport where I can compete at the highest level and that has taken me to so many places. I have met so many wonderful people, people who have given up their time to make the impossible, possible.’

Paul Tayler – Treasurer, Sailability NSW, volunteer Dobroyd, ‘The first time I got involved, I was terrified. How do I deal with people like this? Now I am constantly amazed what they can do. Even though I help on the marina every second Sunday, I’m selfish, for the fun I get out of Sailability. I’ve been so lucky.’

Wendy Evans - Sailability Belmont, Cerebral Palsy, ‘I use an electric wheelchair for independence and mobility. Eight years ago I went to a Come and Try Day at Sailability Belmont, I knew nothing about sailing, was put in a single 2.3 and pushed off. That day opened a whole new world for me. I have been places where I never thought I'd go and met so many great people. Sailing and Sailability means so much to me. When I'm out on the water I forget I have a disability - all that matters is that I'm in control and free.’

Stephen Churm – Commodore, Rushcutters Bay and Paralympic Campaigner, ‘I suffer from Erbs Palsy which affects my left arm. For me, Sailability brings out the best in people, undiscovered talent in sailors with disabilities, human kindness in volunteers and the business community. You ask for support, they respond! It gives you faith in the community.’

Phil Vardy - Member, Sailability Rushcutters Bay and Sailability pioneer. (Paraplegia due to motorcycle accident), ‘In 10 years, we have created a major movement for disabled sailors, a movement that has gone from Australia around the world. Our sailors won gold in the 2000 Paralympics and our own Vinnie Lauers (paraplegic) sailed around the world. And Australian Access Dinghies are the world standard in adaptive sailing.’

Barny Barnbrook – President, Sailability Narooma, ‘Having been lucky enough to have been involved with Sailability since Day 1, have watched my profoundly disabled daughter ‘Ame’ Amethyst Barnbrook A.S.M, grow and live in an atmosphere of acceptance, develop confidence and thrive in a sport that I would have thought impossible. Sailing for Ame is now as natural as walking might have been.’

Jackie Kay – Dobroyd, Sailability pioneer, Access Dinghy Foundation Chair, MS, ‘Sailability is an international family of like-minded, generous and caring friends, which, through sailing, makes a difference. I love that Sailability empowers people with disabilities to take leading roles within the community, and that they themselves provide new life opportunities for others. Sailability is inspirational.’

John Price - treasurer/sailor, Kelly Oriel sailor, (severe balance disorder) Cronulla; John, ‘With my wife Kelly, we sail on one side of the country and then the other. We’ve won two events, and placed in three others.’ Kelly, ‘Nobody looks at your disability. Able-bodied folk treat you just the same. And I get to do the newsletter.’

Janine Houghton - secretary Sailability NSW and member Belmont, ‘I wanted to do something to help people. My role has given me self-worth and confidence. People with disabilities have inspired me with the challenges they face and overcome. And they all have a great sense of humour.’

Elana Hand - Manly Sailability, student, (Spina Bifida), ‘I like sailing in heavier seas because calm days are boring! I enjoy being part of Sailability because I get out on the water and experience something that a lot of my able bodied friends are doing and enjoying. Being on the water on a sunny day, with not a cloud in the sky and sparkling blue water is one of the closest things to paradise on earth.’

Allan Jones OAM – Registrar, Sailability NSW, Commodore Sailability Pittwater, ‘ Sailability gives us all wonderful times and adventures such as the Pooh Picnic with six year-old Esther (from DADHC Early Intervention Group) in an Access 2.3 on Winnererremy Bay. We sailed our journey, landed, had Vegemite sandwiches and clinked our glasses of cordial after such a good voyage.’

Timothy Hone - President, Sailability Central West, ‘Sailability has touched the hearts of many. Its success lies in the physical and emotional experiences that sailing fosters. Whenever one is doing something connected with Access Dinghies or Sailability, one is somehow linked to a ‘higher source’. This energy is so pure it is no surprise that the Sailability network is growing worldwide!’

Neil Anderson - President, Sailability NSW, volunteer Dobroyd, ‘10 years ago, I would have laughed at the suggestion we would have 23 NSW branches and that our organization would be used as the ‘bench mark’ for creating sailing for people with a disability around the world! If you create a worthwhile purpose and bring a group of like- minded people together, anything is possible. Sailability is proof of that.’

For more information contact Graeme Adam, Public Relations, Sailability NSW, (0423) 741 681, graemeadam@sailability.org