Macquarie 2012 Access World Championships - Octogenarian sets sail
by Angus Clinton on 12 Apr 2012
Deidre Schahinger and Yvonne Schramm (right) -Photo: Ted Sheedy SW
Yvonne Schramm, 84, epitomises many of the attributes that makes Australian sport great; she is dedicated, courageous and shows the utmost respect to her fellow competitors.
Yvonne said she’s here at the Macquarie 2012 Access World Championship at Middle Harbour Yacht Club to have a go and a good time.
The South Australian has been sailing since 2001, competing in four national events and many at state level; however, the Access Worlds is her first international competition.
Her love affair with the sport began after a stroke. Never one to sit around and 'twiddle her thumbs', Yvonne tried out sailing because of encouragement from her local Sailability members and has never looked back.
The main attraction for Yvonne is the unique freedom that sailing allows her. With her crew mate, Deidre Schahinger, the two feel they handled themselves as well as could be expected in the difficult conditions on Tuesday, when icy winds reached 26 knots on the course area, with larger gusts buffeting the fleet.
Although not afraid of deep water, the 84 year-old was concerned about wild weather and rain, because she 'couldn’t afford to get her hair done again.'
The two did not participate in the practice race on Sunday, as Deidre was helping deliver five boats from South Australia to Middle Harbour Yacht Club, which is hosting the Worlds, and felt she already had enough practice.
Yvonne, however, was simply 'too good for practice,' she said, laughing. Yvonne has found the Macquarie 2012 World Championships to be a great experience and an inspiration. 'Seeing all these people that are worse off than me encourages me to continue sailing,' she acknowledged.
Not one to be left at a loose end, Yvonne also enjoys cross-stitching and brought some knitting to fill in the time between races.
Sailing is now a major part of Yvonne’s life. As she put it: 'Sailability is the most important thing in my life.'
Racing continues from 11.00am off Middle Harbour Yacht Club tomorrow.
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