Please select your home edition
Edition
Selden 2020 - LEADERBOARD

Exploring RPAYC's amazing Community Sailing Program

by Steve Collopy 21 Jul 16:24 PDT
RPAYC Community Sailing Program © Explore Social

Sydney-based disability support program, Explore Social has discovered the magic of sailing having recently teamed with the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club's community sailing program which aims to get not-for-profit groups out on the water to discover sailing.

Explore Social's Co-founder Louella Edwards couldn't be happier with the outcome and it's something that Explore Social's clients have always wanted to do but we're a little "hesitant."

"Our clients' abilities differ and as much we encourage them to try new things but sometimes, they can be a little hesitant especially with something really different like learning how to sail but the team at RPAYC made us feel safe and welcome the moment we walked through the door." Said Louella

Once the team were out on the water in the sun and breeze those "hesitations" went out the window! Turns out there's some fierce competition within group as they battled it out in mini-races out on Pittwater. As Louella explains it got a little heated when it comes to bragging rights.

"Sometimes we do have to gently remind our clients that it's not a competition but it is great to see some friendly banter and it's great to see everyone so comfortable to express themselves." Said Louella.

Aside from the fun and games there are some real lessons being learned. It may not be a big deal for other spending a day on the water but for Explore Social it's a great exercise in developing a sense of personal achievement.

Ranging from different abilities it can lend itself for individuals to be "unable" but being able to take control and help sail a boat shows the world that they can and are more than able. Something Explore Social strongly advocates

"It's hard to comprehend how it must feel constantly being told that you aren't capable of doing something because of your ability and we're (Explore Social) all about building confidence and fishing is a great way to do that and they can show the world how capable they are." Said Louella.

The team can't thank RPAYC enough for the experience and the professionalism from the Club's staff and management in creating an inclusive environment. With summer just around the corner Explore Social aims to bring sailing into their schedule as a regular activity with the goal of getting clients into sailing on their own.

"We can't thank the Club enough for the experience! The clients want to do more and the club has some great opportunities to get involved the regular sailing season this summer and we'll work with the club to make this happen." Said Louella.

Related Articles

Harken Youth Match Racing Championships line-up
Competitors travelling from across the world to Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club The 2023 HARKEN International Youth Match Racing Championship will once again host some of the World's best youth match racing talent, with competitors travelling from across the world. Posted on 23 Nov
Racer CC wins Etchells NSW State Championship 2024
A ripper of a final day to take the win in the nine race series The Etchells NSW State Championship 2024 has concluded at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, with Mark Thornburrow's Racer CC team having a ripper of a final day to take the win in the nine race series over 30 other crews. Posted on 19 Nov
Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race Winners
Let the celebrations begin! Three vessels are home in the inaugural Sydney to Auckland Race. First home for the Line Honours prize was Geoff Hill's 72-footer, Antipodes. As such, they set the race record for the course at 5:03:37:57. Posted on 13 Oct
Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race 2023 update
The crews report that those affected have got past the early seasickness, and are now charging hard Four of the five competitors elected to go the Southern side of the Rhumb Line in the dash to the top of New Zealand. By and large, you'd have to say it paid. Posted on 11 Oct
Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race 2023 start
A 1250 nautical mile course, which is virtually double that of the famous Sydney to Hobart And they're off! At 1300hrs AEDT on October 7, 2023, the yachts and crews in the inaugural Sydney to Auckland Yacht Race left Sydney Harbour, bound for Auckland. Posted on 7 Oct
RPAYC Statement on Nexba findings
The report is now publicly available and aims to contribute to safety in sailing Nexba made an offshore qualifying passage with two experienced crew when the keel catastrophically failed and the boat quickly inverted. After 14 hours of clinging to the upturned hull, the two crew were safely rescued. Posted on 5 Aug
20th anniversary of RPAYC Admiral's Cup victory
Registering interest in defending the Cup following the announcement of the event's return in 2025 Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) is to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its Australian team winning the 2003 Admiral's Cup in the UK Posted on 6 Jul
Hong Kong entry in race for Lipton Cup
A sense of history in the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race When competitors leave the Sydney Harbour start line in the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club's (RPAYC) inaugural Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race on Saturday 7 October 2023, a sense of history will beckon all. Posted on 21 Jun
Pallas Capital TP52 Gold Cup Act 4
Series wraps up on Pittwater, with Matador taking the Silverware. Day 2 of racing in Act 4 of the Pallas Capital TP52 Gold Cup closed out the 2023 series on Sydney's Pittwater today. Posted on 12 Jun
RSYS reigns supreme in Asia Pacific final
Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron has put its stamp on the sailing community The Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron has put its stamp on the sailing community after going back-to-back in the SAILING Champions League - Asia Pacific Final last weekend, hosted on the iconic Pittwater by the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club. Posted on 26 May
Festival of Sails 2024 FOOTERNorth Sails Performance 2023 - FOOTERHenri-Lloyd 2022 December - SW FOOTER