Home



International
Access Class
Association



Access Dinghies



The Company



Sailing for All



Foundation



Support Info



Remarks



News



Newsletters



Regattas

Regatta Info

Venue

The Future

News

Sightseeing

Sailor Profiles

Memorable
Moments



Where?



Contact us



Sailability Online

News

DAY 10 - 22nd January
Racing & Closing Ceremony

DAY 9 - 21st January
Racing

DAY 8 - 20th January
Lay Day

DAY 7 - 19th January
Racing

DAY 6 - 18th January
Racing

DAY 5 - 17th January
Opening Ceremony

DAY 4 - 16th January
Practice Racing

DAY 3 - 15th January
Practice Racing

DAY 2 - 14th January
Registration & Classification

DAY 1 - 13th January
Registration & Classification

December 2003
MEDIA RELEASE - SAIL MELBOURNE
David Staley, Yachting Victoria

November 2003
LIBERTY - BLAST OFF
Frank Hammond

September 2003
PREPARATION FOR IFDS DINGHY WORLDS
Jackie Kay

TRAVEL TIPS
August 2003
Colin Johanson - C5/6 quad

DAY 10 - 22nd January
Racing & Closing Ceremony

Blairgowrie again turned on perfect sailing weather for the final day of racing. Fleet A sailors enjoyed 12 knot breezes while the winds freshened in the afternoon to 15 knots.

Dan Fitzgibbon of Qld, again sailed faultlessly, gaining another two firsts. Throught the eight race competition Dan obtained 7 firsts and one fifth and becoming the first IRDS Singhle Person Champion. Bento Amaral of Portugal came in 3rd and 2nd in Race 7 and 8 respectively. All the competitors sailed magnificently over the regatta , demonstrating to the world that sailors with "severe disabilities" and "very severe disabilities" are very capable of sailing solo.

Andrew Hartley of South Australia, a ventilated quadriplegic, and Ame Barnbook of NSW both gained admirable thirds throughout the competition.

During the afternoon, Fleet B completed their series. With freshening winds the sailors in Fleet B provided a wonderful display of sailing. Even though Zoltan Pegan of NSW sailed faultlessly, winning all 8 races, these results were not enough to take out the title of World Champion.

The Closing Ceremony was a real celebration of ability, recognising the competitors' skill, courage and passion for sailing. Many gifts were presented to all competitors, acknowledging that there were no loosers in this regatta - only winners.

Final placings are:
FLEET A

FLEET B

To download image click on "Small" or "Large"

Loading at the dock
Small (13KB)
Large (93KB)

Maria Dalmon taking a ride on Grahme's bike
Small (15KB)
Large (101KB)

Herb Meyer USA, beside lifting hoist
Small (8KB)
Large (57KB)

Commodore, Ian Warner welcomin g guests
Smalll (8KB)
Large (58KB)

World Champion, Dan Fitzgibbon receeiving prizes
Small (11KB)
Large (88KB)

DAY 9 - 21st January
Racing

See Racing Report by Phil Vardy

The weather was warm with 10-12 knot winds. Prior to racing in both fleets, the competitors were eager to get on the water.Competitors are sailing to the best of their ability and achieving personal goals. For some, the goal of completing the course within the allocated time is winning, while other competitors engage in fierce tacking duals.

While the race course is laid well out in the Bay, specators and friends watching from the Upper Deck of the clubhouse are able to enjoy the racing as each Liberty is recognisable in the distance by its brightly coloured sail. A relaxed and friendly atmosphere prevails as everyone discusses racing and tactics while enjoying coffee or a beer.

At the end of the 3rd day of racing provisional placings are :
Fleet A - 1. Dan Fitzgibbon (Qld) 2. Mat Browne(W.A.) 3. Bento Amaral (Portugal)
Fleet B - 1. Zoltan Pegan (NSW) 2.Peter Thompson (ACT) 3. Craig Clarke (S.A.)

NSW volunteer Grahme Rayner, arrived at the regatta with his Harley Davidson and sidecar and spent the day taking competitor, voounteers and friends for rides. Even passing observers were given the opportunity to sit on the bike or sidecar.

.With only one day of racing left, everyone is gearing up for what is promising to be a spectacular Closing Ceremony.

To download image click on "Small" or "Large"

Fleet A leaving the dock in the morning
Small (5KB)
Large (38KB)

Andrew Hartley (SA), ventilated quad heading out to the course
Small (9KB)
Large (67KB)

View from Upper Deck of clubhouse
Small (5KB)
Large (49KB)

Clubhouse
Small (16KB)
Large (111KB)

Racing - Fleet B
Small (4KB)
Large 17KB)

Racing - Fleet B
Small (11KB)
Large (88KB)

DAY 8 - 20th January
Lay Day

Everyone was looking forward to the Lay Day to take the opportunity to take part in one of the tours arranged by the Organising Committee, or just catching up on washing and sleep.

The full day tour of the wineries on the Mornington Peninsula was well attended. This area, where Blairgowrie is located, is famous for it boutique wineries. The Canadian observer, Keith Hobbs, who was unable to find a seat on the bus, resorted to borrowing a commode chair from the accommodation which was tied down, wheelchair fashion. Keith, seated on the commode chair was then belted down for the journey.

The afternoon half day tour was to historic Port Nepean, whocated on the most southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula.

A most enjoyable evening was had by all, with entertainment provided by an Aussie Bush Band comprising Geoff Watson, the regatta Accommodation Manager and Adri Godfrey, on the Transport Committee. There was a demonstration of line dancing, a good Aussie b-b-q, great music and wonderful company as all competitors, volunteers, spectators, club members socialised well into the night.

US competitor, Herb Meyer entertained the group with wonderful renditions of sea shanties and Australian competitor, Wayne Crabb had a go at line dancing and took the microphone of a song.

After a very enjoyable evening all competitors are ready for more racing tomorrow.

To download image click on "Small" or "Large"

Aussie bush band provided entertainment for the evening.
Small (6KB)
Large (38KB)

Portugese Team Manager and competitor Bento Amaral
Small (12KB)
Large (89KB)

Wayne Crabb (AUS) in blue shirt, line dancing
Small (12KB)
Large (81KB)

Herb Meyer (USA
Small (10KB)
Large (74KB)

Panayotis Tsinganos (GRE)
Small (12KB)
Large (93KB)

Phil Vardy, Technical Delegate arriving in the elevator.
Small (10KB)
Large (64KB)

SUNDAY 7 - 19th January
Racing

RESULTS

Light 4-6 knot breezes and smooth waters were the order of the day at Blairgowrie. Dolphins were again swimming amongst Fleet A in the morning. Fleet A completed two races in the first session with the start for Fleet B being delayed, hoping for the wind to strengthen.

After two days of racing, with four races completed in each Fleet both Dan Fitzgibbon (Fleet A) of Qld AUS and Zoltan Pegan (Fleet B) of NSW AUS are undefeated. All competitors are sailing extremely well and importantly, having a great time.

The team from Portugal is sailing extremely well with several second and third placings being achieved by both Bental Amaral and Fernando Pereira in Fleet A. In Fleet B, Peter Thompson (AUS) and Maryanne Ireland (AUS) are sailing consistently well.

Interestingly, while Fleet A is restricted to sailors with a classification of 1, in Fleet B, three out of the eight competitors have a classification of 1 and chose to sail in Fleet B. With 17 from 22 sailors being of classification 1, this event is clearly demonstrating the need for elite competition for sailors with a serious disability.

Sailors in each Fleet are brought up to a minimum weight to ensure competition is as equal as possible. In Fleet A the mininum weight is 96kg, and in Fleet B, 80kg. Packages of lead shot are stowed out of the way, under the seat.

At the conclusion of racing, Classifiers Charlie Simpson, Anne Allan, Stephen Wilson, and regatta medico "Dr. Graham" spent a fun 1/2 hour sailing Liberty's in the Inner Harbour. An impromtu race indicated that sailors are the same the world over .........

To download image click on "Small" or "Large"

Simon Harle (GBR), organde & Colin Johanson (AUS)
Small (12KB)
Large (74KB)

Yoko Sone (Japan)
Small (8KB)
Large (53KB)

Wendy Evans (AUS)
Small (12KB)
Large (88KB)

Classifiers
Small (9KB)
Large (65KB)

Craig Clarke
Small (10KB)
Large (119KB)

Classifier, Dr. Stephen Wilson
Small (9KB)
Large (65KB)

Classifier, Dr. Anne Allan
Small (8KB)
Large (59KB)

DAY 6 - 18th January
Racing

RESULTS

At last. The competitors finally have the chance to race. After some early showers, the day developed into a perfect sailing day. With breezes of 10-12 knots and calm waters ensuring great sailing conditions for both fleets. From the club hourse Upper Deck, the colour of the Liberty, in the distance is spectacular.

Fleet A was first away in the morning, with all boats at the start line on time. This in itself was a major feat, taking into consideration the transport logistics, then the careful preparation required that each sailor is securely fitting into their boat.

Fleet A sailors, spectators and Race Officials alike were thrilled as a pod of dolphins frolicked amongst the fleet during racing. One competitor initially thought they were sharks, while another was concerned that they would tip their boat over as the dolphins repeatedly dived under the boats. It seemed to be an omen that all was fine.

Queensland sailor, Dan Fitzgibbon, won both races with other place getters being Colin Johanson (AUS), Bento Amaral (POR), Mat Brown (AUS) - and a very exciting 3rd from Andrew Hartley, ventilated quadriplegic from South Australia.

During the afternoon Fleet B took to the water with anticipation for a great sailing tussle between multi-Australian Access Dinghy Champion, Zoltan Pegan and Peter Thompson, Australia's 2.4 mR representative at the 2000 and 2004 Paralympic Games, and Australia's top female sailor, Maryanne Ireland who is current Australian and International Access 2.3 Champion.

In both races the placings were 1st, Zoltan Pegan. 2nd, Peter Thompson and 3rd Maryanne Ireland. However, the other competitors were not out of touch with the race leaders. In Fleet B there are four sailors who, while Classified as a "One", have chosen to sail partial servo in Fleet A with the Classification "Two's". Their participation in Fleet B is demonstrating the potential for inclusive sailing regardless of degree of disability.

To download image click on "Small" or "Large"

Fleet A
Small (12KB)
Large (69KB)

Fleet A
Small (12KB)
Large (65KB)

Fleet A
Small (9KB)
Large (70KB)

Fleet A
Small (11KB)
Large (65KB)

Herb Meyer (USA)
Small (14KB)
Large (93KB)

Andrew Hartley (AUS)
Small (15KB)
Large (98KB)

Dan Fitzgibbon (AUS)
Small (11KB)
Large (76KB)

DAY 5 - 17th January
Opening Ceremony

For the regatta Organising Committee of the 2004 IFDS Single Person Dinghy Championships it was hard to believe that 9 months of intense preparation was finally coming to fruition. The Opening Ceremony was an emotional event as it recognised the dedication of the sailors, the commitment of the volunteers and highlighted the joy of being involved with this regatta.

The looks on the faces of Chris WIlson (left), Chairman of the Organising Committee and David Staley, Manager of the Sail Melbourne International regatta say it all. This year, over the six week period in December and January, the Sail Melbourne International Regatta ran 27 regattas in different locations around Port Phillip Bay. These 23 regattas include:- 4 x Worlds championships, 11 x Australian Championships, 3 x State championships and Olympic and Invited Classes.

Every competitor, their supporters, the volunteers, the Jury, the Classifiers as well as members of Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron attended the Opening Ceremony function that was held in the Senior Lounge on the upper deck.

All competitors were asked to line up on the stage area where there were formally introduced to the audience. The introductions were done following the procedure of the Olympics/Paralympics with Greece, the founder of the Games , always introduced first.

After the introductions there were short addresses from Phil Vardy, Technical Delegate and Vice President IFDS, David Staley, Manager of the Sail Melbourne International Regatta and Ian Warner, Commodor of Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, who read a message of support from IFDS Chairman, Ian Harrison.

To finish the Ceremony the Portugese Team presented 15 gifts to a representative of each country and members of the regatta Organising Committee.

The sailors are ready, the officials are ready, the volunteers are ready - everyone is ready - LET'S RACE. RESULTS will be immediately posted on the Sail Melbourne site.

To download image click on "Small" or "Large"

Opening Ceremony. Sailors assembled out front.
Small (19KB)
Large (132KB)

Opening Ceremony
Small (16KB)
Large (112KB)

Lindsay Dalmon (AUS) background.
Small (13KB)
Large (88KB)

Ame Barnbrook (AUS)
Small (14KB)
Large (68KB)

DAY 4 - 16th January
Practice Racing

Another perfect sailing day greeted competitiors, spectators and volunteers for Day 4 of the regatta. Many of the overseas guests are amazed with the the strength of the sun, even on a cloudy day.

After the experience gained at practice racing the previous day, transferring sailors to boats was carried out in a more orderly fashion, with competitors' names being called as Dockside personnel were available. There are three loading teams, each named by colour. Every competitor is assigned to a particular Team, leaving and returning to the same location on the dock. Each of the three loading bays is fitted with its own hoist to facilitate speedy transfer of sailors.

The different brightly coloured sails, enable dockside personnel to identify sailors well before the boats arrive at the dock, so wheechairs are immediately available, ensuring there is little congestion. The coloured sails have been (and will be) of great assistance to the Classifiers and the International Jury to identify particular sailors.

After observing Fernando Pereira of Portugal on the water during the morning practice session, the Classifiers have ascertained that he is a Classification 1 and as such will sail in Fleet A.

Two practice sessions were held, with Fleet A sailing during the morning. Generally at this time of year in Blairgowrie, the morning wind is gentle, building as the sea breeze kicks in at about lunchtime. Fleet A sailors enjoyed calm conditions with 5-10 knots.

20-25 knot winds and1 metre waves greeted the sailors of Fleet B in the afternoon session of practice racing. All the sailors handled these testing conditions, returning to shore, wet (from sea spray) but extremely excited with their performaces out on the water.

Observers who were on the water - the Race Officers, Classifiers and Jury, were astounded that the Liberty was safe and dry in such conditions - and so manageable sailors with such a variety of severe disability.

All competitors are eagerly awaiting the start of racing on Day 6, 18th. Day 5 is a Lay Day with the Opening Ceremony being held at 1700, followed by dinner.

To download image click on "Small" or "Large"

Chris positioning Wendy Evan's servo controls
Small (16KB)
Large (104KB)

Wendy Evans (NSW), testing the new controls on Inner Harbour
Small (6KB)
Large (44KB)

Great support from the Portugese team.
Small (11KB)
Large (67KB)

Fernando Pereira (Portugal) having seat adjustments
Small (15KB)
Large (105KB)

One of many safety boats being used throughout regatta.
Small (11KB)
Large (76KB)

Maryanne Ireland (NSW) being transferred by hoist into Liberty.
Small (10KB)
Large (66KB)

DAY 3 - 15th January
Practice Racing

Day 3 and at last the competitors had the opportunity to get out on the Bay to test the Liberty dinghies, the conditions and themselves. Again the weather was kind with a steady 12-15 knot breeze, building to 18 knots at the top mark. The Bay was flat and the sky was cloudless.

The intense preparation of the previous two days paid off as sailor after sailor negotiated the inner harbour onto the expanse of the Bay. It was insiring to watch the brightly coloured sails on the horizon darting to and fro as a series of informal races was held.

Regisration and Classfication is all but completed, with only two competitors yet to arrive. Portugese sailor, Fernando Pereira is still being observed by the Classifers to ascertain whether he is a Classification 1 or 2, and the second day of practice will assist with their decision.

Australian sailor, Colin Johanson, had the experience of a lifetime as a pod of dolphins frolicked alongside his "Docklands" Liberty for 20 minutes or so, following and swimming alonside as he headed out into the Bay.

To download image click on "Small" or "Large"

Mat Brown (WA) in the blue boat & Zoltan Pegan (HUN) orange.
Small (8KB)
Large (58KB)

One of the accessible transort vans.
Small (14KB)
Large (95KB)

Chris Wilson, Chairman of the Organising Committee.
Small (11KB)
Large (68KB)

Ame Barnbrook (NSW)
Small (9KB)
Large (71KB)

Sailors' Meeting
Small (12KB)
Large (48KB)

Zoltan Pegan (HUN)
Small (12KB)
Large (90KB)

Brendan Hain (Qld)
Small (8KB)
Large (56KB)

DAY 2 - 14th January
Registration & Classification

While Day 2 was quieter for the Registration staff because most of the competitors had arrived the day before, the Medical Classifiers were hard at work all day, only seldom appearing from behind closed doors. Technical Delegate, Phil Vardy arrived in the early evening and was pleased with the progress of preparations for the start of racing.

Generally the competitors spend the day being fitted into seats and ensuring the correct positioning of servo assist controls. A team of very experienced volunteers discussed the various options with sailors - the positioning of the servo controls being of paramount importance. Also, because the majority of sailors are a Classification 1, with little or no trunk control, it is vital to ensure they are very securely secured into the boat, so they can maintain control while heeling.

This regatta is an entirely new concept in sailing for people with a "severe disability" or a "very severe disability" and therefore new issues relating to sailor comfort and safety needed to be addressed.

So far the weather has been kind, with the temperatures being mild and not too warm, the breezes averaging 7-15 knots on calm waters of Port Phillip Bay.

Late in the afternoon the heads of accessible programs from around the world held an informal meeting to get to meet the people on the other end of the email. Those in attendance were:

Greece: Panayotis Tsinganos (Chairman Sailability Hellas)
USA: Herb Meyer (Chairman, Sailability USA & US Sailing, SWSN Committee)
Portugal: Bento Amaral (representing, Associacao Portuguesa de Vela)
Japan: Nobi Nishii (Chairman, Sailability Japan)
USA: Carolynn Helig (President, Sailability USA
Canada: Keith Hobbs (Chairman, CYA's Disabled Sailing Committee)
Missing in "sightseeing": Zoltan Pegan (Vice Chairman, Sailability Hungary)

The meeting, chaired by Jackie Kay, discussed the current status of acitivities in respective countries with many suggestions and ideas being exchanged.

One of the very outstanding aspects of this regatta to date are the volunteers. Members of the Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron are to be commended for the amazing organisation of the event, with apparent faultless allocation to suitable accommodation as well as reliable and prompt transport. The experienced Sailability volunteers are also working tiressly ensuring competitors are comfortable in their boats and safely transferred from dockside to boat.

The entire volunteer team is committed to ensure that this regatta will be an outstanding success. Their attitude demonstrates a complete willingness to make the competitors, their carers and the specators comfortable, with all problems being addressed with speed, no fuss and a lot of support.

The sailors are ready, the boats are ready, the volunteers are ready......the weather is perfect - tomorrow is the first day of practice racing.

To download image click on "Small" or "Large"

Elevator to take competitors to the "Top Deck"
Small (15KB)
Large (111KB)

Panayotis (Greece) being "fitted out".
Small (9KB)
Large (66KB)

Dan Fitzgibbon (Qld)
Small (13KB)
Large (90KB)

Herb Meyer (USA) and daughter, Katy
Small (10KB)
Large (62KB)

The boys from South Australia
Small (14KB)
Large (96KB)

Bento (Portugal) - "but is he secure?"
Small (12KB)
Large (84KB)

Simon Harle (UK) - "OK but where's my boat ?"
Small (18KB)
Large (129KB)

A gathering from around the world -accessible sailing
Small (15KB)
Large (97KB)

DAY 1 - 13th January
Registration & Classification

A beautiful, sparkling, summer's day greeted the competitors as they began arriving at Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron to compete in the 2004 IFDS Single Person Dinghy World Championships.

Competitors spent Day 1 sorting out the paperwork at Registration, before being classified by International Classifiers Dr. Charles Simpson (CAN) and Dr. Stephen Wilson (AUS). Dr. Anne Allan (USA) was delayed and arrived a little later in the day.

Competitors the used the rest of the day to meet the other competitors and renew old acquaintances, as well as being weighed by the very verbose "weighing team" of Barny and Robert Barnbrook, Peter Donaldson (Dono), Charlie and Alison Wheatherly. This perhaps was the highlight of the day for many competitors, it was certainly fun to watch.

Volunteers were also being trained and assigned to tasks, but with the very obvious attitude that everyone would have a fantastic regatta. The twenty or more Liberty were given final adjustments as sailors were seated and servo controls fitted to best suit their requirements.

The transport team were kept busy all day collecting more competitors from the airport, dropping off at accommodation, then to Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron. We hear the these mighty fellows drove over 1,000km on Day 1 alone !

Some competitors stayed at the Club all day, enjoying the friendly atmosphere, while other took the opportunity to explore the beautiful Mornington Peninsula. By late afternoon everyone was well and truely ready for well earned refreshments on the upper deck of the Club, followed by a delicious dinner.

Above - Classifier Dr. Anne Allan

To download image click on "Small" or "Large"

"Where's the party ?" The volunteers are ready to go.
Small (8KB)
Large (93KB)

The "Japanese Embassy" parked in the Yacht Club carpark
Small (13KB)
Large (99KB)

Competitors wait for Registration and Classification
Small (10KB)
Large (81KB)

Other activities at beautiful Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron
Small (15KB)
Large (111KB)

The team from Portugal
Small (16KB)
Large (112KB)

Hiroshi Oda (Japan) exploring the lay of the land
Small (14KB)
Large (100KB)

The ladies of Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron tying ID tags
Small (15KB)
Large (93KB)

Liberty's on dock in readiness for competition
Small (15KB)
Large (79KB)

Classifiers, Stephen and Charlie relaxing after a busy day.
Small (13KB)
Large (85KB)

More relaxing in the upper deck.
Small (17KB)
Large (84KB)

September, 2003

IFDS DINGHY WORLDS PREPARATION

Preparations are well under way for the IFDS Dinghy World Championship. Twenty new Access Liberty will be provided at no cost to competitors and current production is three boats per week. As at mid September, ten Liberty's have been completed for the Championships, making the Melbourne factory a rainbow of colour.

Plenty of fully accessible accommodation has been reserved, ranging in price from US$10 per day up to 5 star. To date, expressions of interest have been received from competitors in Japan, USA, Canada, Great Britain, Portugal, Greece and of course Australia.

August, 2003

TRAVEL TIPS
By Colin Johanson - C5/6 quad and Jackie Kay - MS, both experienced flyers and wheelchair users.

Check-In

You can usually transport from a manual chair at Check-In or at the plane door. Electric chairs need to be left at Check-In to be loaded. You will be taken to your seat in a special narrow aisle chair. There you can sit on your cushion in the airline seat, just a thin silicon or foam pad may help, or just in the plane seat (what Colin does) but beware plane seats are hard.

You'll need to take an overnight bag that your attendant/carer can connect to your leg bag to transfer contents to toilet if you fill your leg bag. If you take a brief case you may find it useful to prop your feet on it as a posture change. Try to get a "bulkhead seat" as there is more leg room.

Don't plan to need to have a bowel movement. Don't eat gassy foods before or drink fizzy drinks on the plane. Water is best and beware of dehydration so drink lots. Avoid alcohol it can dehydrate you more and you'll not be treated well if drunk.

You'll get standard treatment by flight attendants of food and drink. Use pillows under your arms to assist sleeping while sitting up. If you are in Business or First class you can sleep really easily and lay right back. In Economy you can't recline much and the seats are narrow.

Remember that just because you are disabled, you don't have special seating privileges. If you are considerate and polite to staff at check-in and boarding, you'll be treated better. Upgrades are only ever a bonus NOT an expectation - equality goes both ways. If you need to travel in business with better reclining seats, you'll have to pay the fare. Otherwise expect to sit in economy class with everyone else.

Boarding

Your attendant/carer will need to help you change positions, prop pillows under necks etc, cut up your food. But airline staff should be the ones getting you on and off the plane with an aisle chair - DON'T ALLOW THEM TO CARRY YOU MORE THAN TWO ROWS. You could easily be hurt. International carriers have a code of conduct regarding disabled passengers that excludes carrying them more than transfer distance unless it is passenger request and only then if the passenger is extremely light (child). This is an important OH&S safety measure for both you and airline staff. All 747s have onboard aisle chairs and all airports should have suitable chairs as well. Request the chair at booking time not just as you are about to board - be considerate of staff.

There should be disabled toilets in departure area but make sure you empty your bag before you go on board - just in case. Start the flight on empty. It also makes transfers easier.

Organise to hire a commode chair - if you can (not easy, commode seats yes - wheeled chairs rare) or bring your own. Remember airlines carry wheelchairs and assistive aids free (within reason) so you could bring an electric and a manual chair for free as well as medical equipment like a commode chair. Problem is transport at both ends becomes complex the more you carry.

Pack as few clothes and non essentials as possible, avoid aerosols and ANY metal sharp things in hand luggage - they will be confiscated. Buy heavy things like shampoo/conditioner when you get where you're going, just take bottles to get you through the first few days. Ever bit of weight and bulk saved makes travel easier. Remember, your carer or airline staff should not be considered pack-mules for all the carry on stuff like cushions, slide boards, luggage - be considerate. A backpack slung on the back of your chair helps you carry some of your carry on luggage.

Warnings

Get to the airport extra early so everything can be arranged and better seat allocations made. Allow an extra hour for an electric chair and YOU disconnect the electrics - don't leave it up to airline staff they can badly damage the chair. Some people even carry the chair joystick as carry on or in their luggage as that is the most easily damaged part. Batteries should be sealed otherwise they must be taken out of the chair and transported separately in special containers.

Carry all essentials with you like tablets, overnight drainage equipment, etc in case your luggage is lost because they are very hard to replace in a foreign land. Keep tablets in original bottles with script. Carry photocopies of your passport in your case and one in your handbag in case of loss. Get a certificate from your doctor stating you are safe to fly too if you have a severe disability. It may be a nuisance but it is better than being denied boarding.

Beware of flat wheelchair tyres when you land - the planes cargo area can explode over inflated tyres and most tyres lose a little air due to the low pressure in the hold.

DVD (deep vein thrombosis)

If, you buy a pair of support stockings from a chemist, get the short ones that only go up to under your knees and with the toes cut out. The people in the shop will measure your ankles and calves to get the right size.

There is no need for the full length ones with the toes in. Jackie got those first and they were just too uncomfortable as there is no way to keep your toes straight and still to this day (3 years later) she has little round pressure marks on some of her toes. Definitely the ones with the toes cut out, are the way to go.

As much as possible, change posture and stretch your legs by having your legs raised one at a time and shifting onto a bit on each side to take weight off your sacrum. Stretch your back by leaning forward on your knees and if you fart appologise!

Try to elevate your legs as much as possible but don't take off your shoes as they increase foot stability and you may not be able to get them back on after the flight - feet swell at the lower pressure in a plane a lot.

Don't fly too many long hops without a break for your bum and your brain. Be realistic regarding your fitness and ability to stay awake too long. The stop may cost you but not as much as arriving and getting sick because you pushed yourself too much.

Finally

Remember to relax and enjoy yourself and plan for a good sleep before you leave and when you arrive. Fatigue can really stuff up a holiday so have sensible timelines for partying. Don't expect to sleep a lot on the plane as they are noisy and uncomfortable for a long trip. Colin can sleep most places but even he doesn't sleep much in economy seats.

Don't be put off by all these warnings of doom as you'll be fine if you know your limitations and don't consider yourself able to do anything. Arriving fit only allows you to enjoy the trip and the destination and we want you to be able to do that. We (Jackie and I) just want you to fly here, have fun, and fly home with only positive experiences.

For regatta information - Sail Melbourne International Regatta

For Access Liberty information - Chris Mitchell, Access Dinghies

Copyright © Access Dinghies, 2002-2005