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Sailability Online

Sailor Profiles

Scroll down and click on national flag to read Sailor Profile. Sailors' names in blue have added a Post Regatta Comment.

Bento AMARAL - Quadriplegia

Neil ASHMAN (South Australia) - Quadriplegia

Ame BARNBROOK (NSW) - Phocoamelia

Mathew BROWN (Western Australia) - Quadriplegia

Craig CLARKE (South Australia - Quadriplegia

Wayne CRABB (South Australia) - Cerbral Palsy

Lindsay DALMON (NSW) - Cerebral Palsy

Wendy EVANS (NSW) - Cerebral Palsy

Dan FITZGIBBON (Qld) - Quadripligia

Brendan HAIN (Qld) - Cerebral Palsy

Simon HARLE - Cerebral Palsy

Andrew HARTLEY (South Australia) - Ventilated Quad

Maryanne IRELAND (NSW) - Paraplegia

Colin JOHANSON (Victoria) - Quadriplegia

Herb MEYER- Quadriplegia

Hiroshi ODA - Cerebral Palsy

Zoltan PEGAN - Paraplegia

Fernando PEREIRA - Muscular Dystrophy

Craig SCANLAN (NSW) - Quadriplegia

Yoko SONE - Paraplegia

Peter THOMPSON (ACT) - Paraplegia

Panayotis TSINGANOS - Quadriplegia

Sailor Classifications will be included once confirmed by the IFDS Medical Committee at Blairgowrie. Download the Functional Classification System in PDF (340KB)

BENTO AMARAL - Portugal
Classification 1

Post Regatta Comment

The 2004 IFDS Single Person World Championship was a great opportunity to exchange experiences with people with the same kind of difficulties, coming from different parts of the world and having the same will to sail. The Championship enabled us to compete at the highest level by our own in a single person boat which is at the same time safe and competitive. It was the first time I sailed a Liberty and I felt it was the most user-friendly boat I have ever sailed, even compared to the ones I sailed before my accident. Sailing at Blairgowrie was marvellous as it allied safety conditions with good and clear winds and very nice people.

Profile

Bento Amaral was born in Oporto, Portugal, thirty four years ago. As he always lived near the sea, he has been sailing since he was ten years old.

Ten years ago, in 1994, he had an accident, while he was swimming at the beach: a wave broke his neck and he became quadriplegic. Obviously, at that moment things changed a lot, as he had to spend six months in hospital, trying to readapt to his new life always supported by his family and friends.

At first, when he came out, he tried to finish his course on food engineering, specialised in the wine area, which he achieved in 1995. Then he started to work at Microsoft's Help Desk, as he thought that it would be quite impossible for him to work in the wine business. Nevertheless, he kept on tasting and visiting wine fairs all over Europe.

In 1999, he was invited to work at the Port Wine Institute as the head of the Tasting Chamber, where he still remains. One of his dreams was finally achieved… At the same time, and also since 1999, he teaches wine tasting classes in post-graduation courses at the Catholic University of Oporto.

Meanwhile, he restarted his sport life: sailing and snow skiing, both sports he practiced before the accident. It was with great joy that in 2001 he heard about adapted sailing boats, which would allow him to sail all by his own. So, immediately, he wanted to try and experience a freedom he thought he had lost.

Nowadays he does not sail as often as he would like, but he is very enthusiastic about this world championship. These regattas mean the return to the sailing competition, as he has already participated in the Vaurien's World Championship, which took place in France in 1992.

NEIL ASHMAN - Australia
Classification 1

Neil Ashman was born in December 1961 and lived with his family on their farm at Kapinnie in South Australia until he was 12 years old. He was then sent to Westminister College in Adelaide. His first sailing was there, as a Year 8, crewing in Mirrors, Rainbows and 420's, all as crew.

While at Westminister he humped out of a stationery speed boat at Goolwa on the River Murray, Sth Aust. and broke his neck at C5/6 and spebt the next 8 months in hospital.

Since then he has lived in Adelaide, Kapinne (back on the farm) and now in Port Lincoln. He has worked as a Clerk for the past 20 years.

Sailing at the Port Lincoln Yacht Club for the past eight seasons in Access 2.3, 303 and in the last month in a Liberty.

Neil classes his best sailing experience a ride ib an Internatobnal 14' skif during the Nationals in Pt. Lincoln. Sailing on two keel boats also fun, full bore a Sydney 38 from Pt. Lincoln and Prowler from Melbourne.

Neil has sailed Access 2.3 in numerous State Access Dinghy Championships, winning one and coming runner-up in three others.

AME BARNBROOK - Australia
Classification 1

Amethyst (Ame) Joy Barnbrook was born in Victoria in 1988 and was born with Phocoamelia, a condition that manifests itself by the absence of limbs.

Ame is the third child of Pam and Barny, having two older siblings, Kate 17 and Robert 18.

The Barnbrook family relocated to Narooma N.S.W. in 1998 to manage their business (Clark Bay Cottages) that accommodates all levels of ability. Ame often assists in the running of the business and it is envisaged that she will be solely managing the business when she is older.

Ame attends the local High School and will be undertaking Year 10 in 2004. A long term goal of Ames is that the wants to further her education by attending University that would enable her to study how to become a Barrister.

Computer, swimming, playing her trumpet (has passed her AMEB 6th grade exam) and textiles are a few of the interests Ame has.

In 1995 after a chance meeting with Chris Mitchell, in Sydney, she first tried the 2.3 Access Dinghy and although Ame feels she is limited in participating in some sporting activities she is committed to sailing and has achieved International status in the Access 2.3 class.

Ame first participated in the National championships in 1996 and since then has won State and National tiles.

Ame trains with her brother on the beautiful Wagonga Inlet at Narooma on the Far South Coast of N.S.W.

Ame is looking forward to competing in the World Titles that are to be held in Blairgowrie, Victoria in January 2004. Competing for this regatta is a big achievement as Ame has worked very hard with the help of Breville (her sponsor), her coach and family support team to prepare herself mentally and physically for this competition.

MATHEW BROWN - Australia
Classification 1

Mathew is Western Australian born and bred and takes great pride in supporting his country in everything in which it competes. However his greatest passion is sport and he follows it in almost every form, including Rugby, cricket, football, soccer, tennis and surfing to name a few.

Mathew grew up playing many sports, but found the most fulfilment in the game of football (Australian rules). After moving from his birthplace Kalgoorlie at the age of 15 for the blue waters and white sands of Warnbro, Mathew took a keen interest in learning to surf. An interest that would prove life changing.

In December 1999, only eight months after moving to the coast, Mathew was left a quadriplegic after diving into shallow water and breaking his neck. Mathew spent two weeks in the intensive care unit of Royal Perth Hospital and was not expected to live through the first night. He then spent a further five and a half months in the Shenton park spinal unit and rehabilitation centre.

Once home, Mathew returned to school where he eased himself back into a relatively normal life. Mathew went on to graduate and complete his TEE with high scores. During 2001 Mathew had a chance encounter with Paralympian gold medallist sailer Jamie Dunross, who convinced him to come down and try sailing. With no sailing background, Mathew was reluctant. However his love for sport and competition drove him to take up disabled sailing. Mathew began to develop a love for the sport, and was learning quickly. In 2003 Mathew won the Access Dinghy State Championship losing only one race.

After those hectic and stressful few years following his accident, Mathew decided to take a year off studying, and concentrate on building his strength and independence, as well as continue his sailing. During his time off, Mathew also took up Quad Rugby, where he won the local competitions Best Low Pointer award. Mathew is now working towards fulfilling his ambition to one day work in the radio industry.

CRAIG CLARKE - Australia
Classification 1

Thirty-four year old Craig Clarke is from Adelaide, South Australia. 2003 was his first year of sailing since his accident, 17 years ago. Craig is a C5/6 quadriplegic as a result of a car accident. Craig worked for the Australian Tax Office for the past four years.

Prior to his accident Craig sailed Holdfast trainers, Mirrors, and crewed on Stingray catamarans. He was also an avid sailboarder.

Craig now enjoys getting back onto the water sailing, and finds the Liberty fun as well as dry, easy to manage, inexpensive and simple to rig.

WAYNE CRABB - Australia
Classification 2

Wayne Crabb was born with Cerebral Palsy. He belongs to the Port Adelaide Sailing and Adelaide Sailing Club. He has sailed in South Australian State Titles at Goolwa, Port Adelaide and Pt. Lincoln in Access 303, for sailors with a disability.

He has been sailing for two years and in 2003 sailed in the Australian Access Dinghy Championships in Canberra.

LINDSAY DALMON - Australia
Classification 1

Post Regatta Comment

I have just competed in World Titles of my chosen sport. Not bad for a severely disabled person whose parents were once told to put me in a institution, forget about me, and have more children – up yours doc.

It was a marvellous experience and a great honour to be able to take part in the 1st IFDS Single Person Dinghy World Titles. To be able to compete at the highest level, on an equal footing, is usually something the severely disabled can only dream about. But in sailing, it has happened, thanks to the wonderful Access "Liberty" Dinghy.

I hope this event has shown the world that there is a place in world competition for people like myself.

Profile

Lindsay is originally from Perth, Western Australia. Born in 1942, with Cerebral Palsy, his parents brought him to Sydney at a very early age to attend the Spastic Centre of New South Wales. After attending school at the Centre, Lindsay then went to work at the Spastic Centre's employment establishment, where he still remains, and today is employed as a IT specialist.

Lindsay has always enjoyed water sports and in fact was the first disabled person to hold a power boat license in NSW. When boating became too difficult for him, he swapped his boat licence for his car licence and thought his boating days were over.

In mid 1996, Lindsay and wife Maria attended a Come & Try day organised by Sailability Pittwater. It wasn't long before Lindsay was sailing proficiently. Soon after, Lindsay joined Sailability Pittwater and now sails every fortnight with the club. He has served on the management committee as treasurer since 1999.

In 1997, Lindsay was invited to sail an Access 2.3 in the novice division at Bayview Yacht Racing Association. This was a chance for Lindsay, a sailor with a disability, to compete against others. The following year, Lindsay purchased a 303, which he named "Wee Two" and sailed with the Mirror fleet. In 2002, Sailability Pittwater purchased two 303's and now Lindsay competes against his own class within the club's fleet.

Lindsay has competed in every inter-club, state and national competition since joining Sailability Pittwater. In 1998 Lindsay teamed up with Maria and competed the 2.3 doubles division of a national competition on Lake Burley Griffin. The couple came in first place and was presented with their medal by Sir William Dean, the then Governor General of Australia.

Lindsay has also competed Internationally. In 2002, he was a member of a team of 27, sailors with disabilities and carers, to represent Australia in the International Championships in Osaka, Japan. This event was hosted by Sailability Japan and the Osaka Harbour Yacht Club and was conducted over two days with a series of eight races for each division. Lindsay won the Championships by coming in first place in the 303 Singles, and together, with Maria was awarded third place in the 303 Doubles. In 2003 he competed, again with the Australian team, in an International Regatta in Thonon, France. Prior to arriving in France, Lindsay spent several days in Athens, Greece where he gave his support to the newly-formed Sailability Hellas. He also took part in an IFDS Sailors' Forum.

Lindsay has won many medals and awards. In 2000 he was presented with the "Justin Kroh Memorial Trophy" for his commitment to sailing. In 2003 he shared the honour of being awarded "Disabled Sailor of the Year" from Yachting Australia by Mr. Bob Kemp, General Manager of P&O Nedlloyd.

To sail in the IFDS Single-Person Dinghy World Championships is recognition that people with severe disabilities are being seen true sailors. It will give Lindsay the opportunity to compete against international sailors with similar disabilities.

WENDY EVANS - Australia
Classification 1

Post Regatta Comment

I was overwhelmed just to be part of the 1st World Liberty Championships. It was one of the biggest things I have ever experienced. Sailing and racing solo in a boat with electronic controlled sails was so unbelievable. I owe it all to Chris Mitchell for setting up my controls to enable me to go out sailing in
25knots and 1 metre waves on Port Phillip Bay.

The experience was out of this world, with the waves splashing in my face like someone was throwing buckets of water over me. As I was tacking into the wind, the boat heeled onto its side, I never had time to feel scared as I was safely strapped into the boat. It was far better than any amusement park ride I had ever been on. The best part was that I was in control on my own.

To all at BYS and all the wonderful volunteers, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for a fantastic 10 days.

Profile

Wendy Evans is a very outgoing person and will try almost anything possible. She loves the outdoors and anything to do with water. Growing up, Wendy's family holidays were spent either on or near the water, this included the family's half cabin cruiser and later going to beaches on their quadrunner. She loved the beach and fishing from the sandbanks.

She first became involved with sailing seven years ago at Belmont, Lake Macquarie at a Sailability Come and Try day. This was the beginning of a new and very exciting stage of Wendy's life for it was certainly something she never thought she would ever do. Why? You may ask. Wendy has Cerebral Palsy, this effects her co-ordination and has a lot of involuntary movements. Her father has made her a special foam seat to sit in the 2.3 Access Dinghies with a Velcro strap to hold her in the boat as Wendy often will lose her balance if the boat tips too far over. She uses a motorised wheelchair for mobility and independence on land.

Wendy competed in her first State Championship in 1998 at Lake Illawara. She had never been in a real race before and was not sure of how to get round the course. After being guided round the course by Chris Mitchell in the third race, Wendy improved her racing ability and came 2nd in Division 2. She was also awarded the Encouragement Award. Little did Wendy realise at the time, that these two trophies were the start of many. She has competed in two Masters Games, five State Championships, five Australian Championships and two International Championships, which the most recent was a trip to France. Wendy was overwhelmed by the fact that she was representing her country in a sport she just can't get enough of. Wendy came home from France with a trophy for coming equal 3rd.

When Wendy is not on the water, she keeps herself very active. She likes swimming, playing scrabble with a Scrabble Club, looking after her little companion dog, emailing friends and using her computer. For many, many years she has been involved with helping children, both disabled and able-bodied, in a school environment with computers. At present she volunteers four mornings a week at her local public school, helping children from Kindergarten to Year 4 with computer lessons. Wendy really enjoys her time with the children.

Sailing means so much to Wendy as she feels so free and to be able to be in control of everything whilst on the water makes her feel good to be alive and to be able to do a physical sport alongside able-bodied sailors. She has recently tried sailing in 303s on her own, even though this is much more difficult to pull ropes she still has a lot of fun. Now being able to compete in World Liberty is yet another big and exciting adventure in Wendy's life and she will be giving it her best.

DAN FITZGIBBON - Australia
Classification 1

Post Regatta Comment

Being a World Champion in the sport of sailing has occupied my mind for as long as I can remember. From when I was learning to sail in sabots on Moreton Bay to when I was racing my 420 in national championships, it was what I thought about, maybe one day. After my accident it seemed an impossibility until I heard about this regatta.

The IFDS single person World Championships was extremely professionally run by the Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron who supplied magnificent facilities, a friendly atmosphere and a can-do attitude. On the water the races were managed excellently and the courses were very true and even for all competitors.

The competition came right down to the last race for me. I had to win it to win the World Championship. In this race I was closely pushed all the way by Bento Amaral from Portugal and I just held on for the win. All the competitors were very good and I knew that if I made any mistakes I would be punished for them so I would like to thank all the sailors involved.

The Access Liberty dinghies supplied performed magnificently. I did not have any troubles whatsoever with the servo assist system for the sail and steering controls throughout the entire regatta. The servo assist proved itself to be a very reliable and easy to use system and the boats were very popular with all the competitors.

Finally I would like to thank all the volunteers for their extraordinary efforts. They kept the regatta running smoothly and the boats on the water. I would like to thank Chris Mitchell for his tireless efforts in preparing the boats for this regatta, they performed flawlessly and, on a personal level, I would like to thank all the people who have supported me over the years and have kept their faith in me, thank you.

Profile

Dan, now 27 years old, has raced sailing dinghies for most of his life. He started out racing Sabot class dinghies when he was 8 years old. Sailing sabots was a great experience for Dan where he quickly learned racing skills to allow him to achieve many great results in the class. He has a won state title, club championship, has been chosen to represent Queensland in two national titles and has placed in the top four in the Australian national championships.

After Sabots Dan graduated to the 420 class dinghy. By applying the knowledge he learnt from his previous sailing experience, racing a 420 became a very enjoyable class to sail and resulted in some very good regatta results. He won a club championship, placed second in a state championship and placed in the top five in the Australian National Championships. This result allowed Dan to be chosen to compete for Australia in the 1997 420 World Championships. But Dan never had the opportunity to realise this dream.

In 1997, while Dan was competing in the Sydney International Regatta on Sydney Harbour, in preparation for the upcoming national and world championships, he was involved in an accident at a yacht club on Sydney Harbour which left him a complete C5 quadriplegic.

After the accident Dan has concentrated on returning to doing the same things that he was doing before the accident, this is his ambition. It has included returning to University and completing a Bachelor of Business (he had done three years of a Bachelor of Applied Science before his accident) and returning to competitive sailing.

This Single-Person World Championship will allow Dan the opportunity to return to sailing at an international level. He is immensely looking forward to the regatta and can't wait for the racing to begin.

Before his accident he was planning a campaign in the 470 class to gain selection for the Australian place at the Olympic Games. His goal now is to represent Australia at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games. This regatta will be a stepping stone towards achieving this goal.

BRENDAN HAIN - Australia
Classification 1

Brendan Hain was born in Queensland, Australia on 7th January 1981. At the age of 2 1/2 years Brendan was involved in a near drowning accident in a backyard swimming pool, and as a result of ths accident had sustained Cerebral Palsy.

After many weeks in intensve care, Brendan was taken home, heavily medicated, suffering intense muscle spasms, his body rigid and having no concept of night or day, surroundings or family. There followed many years of intense therapy, numerous operations and loads o hard work to reach the quality of life he enjoys today. Brendan attended the ld Cerebral Palsy League and was from there integrated into our local primary and high school and TAFE.

After completing Year 12, Brendan joined a disability services group and it was through this group that he was first introduced to sailing as a recreational activity, sailing Access 2.3 and 303.

Brendan is a newcomer to competitive sailing having joined Sailability Gold Coast mid 2003. His first regatta being Northern Rivers Championships at Lake Ainsworth in September 2003 and later at the NSW State Titles at Dobroyd in November 2003, winning the dubkes ttle in 303 with Will Pringle who has been coachug Brendan for the IFDS Dinghy Worlds.

Brendan is looking forward to competing in these championships, hoping to gain more experience by attending this regatta and trying very hard for a troohy as he has a date wiht a Brisbane specialist who, 20 years ago said, "Brendan should be placed in an institution as he will never amount to anything."

SIMON HARLE-United Kingdon
Classification 1

Post Regatta Comment

Written by Simon's dad, Gordon Harle.

Simon arrived in Melbourne with some trepidation as mostly he sails on his own in the servo class and was thrilled to meet so many sailors with the seam problems as him making friends very quickly.

The regatta was an unprecedented success a credit to the organisation of Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron and Sail Melbourne, proving that against all odds SDS and VSDS sailors can be as competitive as anyone. Once confidence had been reached in the boat it proved to be an easy boat to sail, with very few vices. Chris is to be congratulated in efforts in designing such a safe and competitive boat.

A fleet of brightly coloured sails was the talking point in the clubhouse making it easy to follow individual sailors.

Thanks must go to all the volunteers/helpers without their unstinting efforts the competition could never have taken place.

With lots of luck Simon will see you all next year at Rutland, where, according to Simon there’s no TIDE!! To worry about.

Profile

Simon Harle is 31 and was born in Cyprus. and has been wheelchair bound from birth. He suffers from Cerebral Palsy and has difficulty with speech, cannot walk and has only limited use of his hands. Easily identified as he sports red hair and always has it plaited, those who know him say he has a wicked sense of humour.

Having his own flat in Loughborough he employs people to allow him carry on the life style that he wants, not what other people think he should have and is very determined to succeed with it. Day to day the activities are fairly routine, visiting day centres and mixing with people of his own age in a local SWAG group. (Socially wheeled activity group)

While he was at a Scope college he took up BOCCIA bowls (a form of bowls where you sit to play) and played up to National Level his best efforts took him to the quarter finals.

His interest in sailing was stimulated by a trip on the Jubilee Sailing Trust ship the Lord Nelson (a tall ship) and constantly pestered his parents to take him sailing. A chance visit to Rutland Sailing Club for a JST function triggered the sailing bug.

Rutland Sailing Club is the home of Rutland Sailability and he started sailing in September 1999, it was thought that he would never sail on his own but with his own efforts and lots of help from all the volunteers he managed to sail in a servo (electric motors on steering and sheets) assisted 2.3 access and after the first year won the National Championship. This spurred him on and he bought his own boat "Tigger" a servo assisted 2.3. He went on to win the National championship for the next 3 years as well as winning the Travelling series 4 successive years. Beating more able bodied at some events. The Travelling series consists of 9 races held at different clubs up and down the United Kingdom with generally up to 20 sailors taking part in both 303 and 2.3 classes.

Recently he started sailing a 303s with servo assist and found he could hold his own with the other 303 sailors. Also he helms one of the clubs Drascombe luggers and kinsman but he still loves his own boat and sails it whenever he can. During the summer months sailing takes up most of his time, Wed, Thur and some Saturdays. But during holidays usually in Florida there has to be time for roller coaster rides he is an extreme ride fanatic.

During the summer he was asked if he would be interested in attending the IFDS single handed dinghy championship in Melbourne as it was felt that he would be classified as a Class1. He said yes, never a one to shirk a challenge he went to set about getting someone to show him how to sail a 303s properly and is really looking forward to the challenge of sailing a new boat on the sea at the other side of the world. If determination to succeed is a deciding factor in winning then he is up there with the best.

ANDREW HARTLEY - Australia
Classification 1

Post Regatta Comment

As a severely disabled person, to sail single-handed in a highly competitive environment was a wonderful opportunity. The Liberty gave me a sense of freedom, exhilaration and most importantly safety that I don't experience in any other aspect of my life, giving me the opportunity to compete in the wonderful sport of sailing. The Liberty has opened up a whole new world for me because there is no other sport in which I can compete at any level.. The Liberty gives severely disabled sailors an equal footing in a racing event and as such would be an ideal boat for the proposed Paralympic single-handed event.

Profile

Andrew Hartley emigrated from England with his family when he was 14. He was sports mad, playing Rugby Union, Soccer and Cricket as well as Sailing. He was captain of the First Fifteen at school, played for Southern Suburbs in Adelaide club rugby and was chosen to play for South Australia U21's.

Andrew was also a successful sailor. As a teenager, he was third in the UK U15's International Cadet Championships and sailed with his father in the World Dinghy Team Racing Championships. He also represented South Australia in Cadets.

In 1982, just four days before his 21st birthday, Andrew broke his neck at the C2 level during a game of rugby. He spent four months in the Intensive Care Unit in the Royal Adelaide Hospital and twelve months in hospital all together. At first, the doctors didn't think he'd survive. He has no movement or feeling below his neck and is dependent on a ventilator to breathe twenty four hours a day.

Twelve months to the day after breaking his neck, he became one of the first ventilator-dependent quadriplegics to live in the community in Australia.

At the time of his accident, Andrew was engaged to his long time girlfriend Anne. The couple were married whilst Andrew was still in hospital and they have a nine year old son Sebastian.

Andrew is studying arts/law as an external student at the University of New England. He hopes one day to become a lawyer and represent disabled people.

As well as studying, Andrew works for an IT company, designing web pages and making up electronic documents, letterheads and logos.

Andrew is an active member of his local community. He is a member of the Board of Management of Sebastian's school, as well as a member of committees of other community organisations.

Andrew became aware of Sailability two years ago after a friend showed him a magazine article. Andrew is an active member of the board of Sailability SA.

After helping Sailability SA raise money to purchase a special Access Liberty capable of carrying his ventilator and equipped with full servo-assist, Andrew recently had his first sail in more than twenty years, becoming only the second ventilator dependent quadriplegic in the Australia to sail solo. Andrew operates the sails and steering of the boat using a chin control. He sailed in the South Australian Disabled Sailing Championships in November with promising results.

Andrew is the first ventilator-dependent quadriplegic to compete in World Championship sailing competition and possibly in any World sporting event.

MARYANNE IRELAND - Australia
Classification 2

Although having grown up on the great sailing waters of Lake Macquarie (NSW) Maryanne Ireland didn't take sailing up as a sport until 6 years ago. Having had paraplegia all her life from an injury at birth, sailing was not a sporting option until the advent of the Access dinghy class.

Starting her sailing career in the 2.3 Access Dinghy class Maryanne has competed in all NSW State and National Titles and 2 International Regattas since then - she is the current holder of both the National and International Titles in that class. In the recent NSW State Titles Maryanne also won the Liberty class which was sailed as a demonstration division in those titles. Over recent years Maryanne has also been awarded numerous State and Regional Sporting Awards recognising her sailing acheivements. While not her first international competition, the IFDS World Championships will be Maryanne's first World Titles. Sailing at this level and in a new class of boat will be a welcome progression in Maryanne's sailing career.

Aside from sailing Maryanne's career is as a practising visual artist, she exhibits regularly in both group and solo shows in Newcastle and Sydney. Maryanne received a Masters Degree in Visual Art from the University of Sydney last year.

The Australian Team,
2003 Access Dinghy International inThonon, France
Maryanne as indicated by arrow

COLIN JOHANSON - Australia
Classification 1

Post Regatta Comments

I think we achieved a huge amount at the Liberty Worlds by proving that SDS and VSDS sailors using servo controls can compete in serious competition efectively. Everyone enjoyed themselves - officials, competitors, volunteers and onlookers. Our colourful fleet was not only attractive but functional in that onlookers could follow the progress of competions and work out who was winning by sail colours. This made it a spectator sport too.

The results support a case for an IFDS World Champion in BOTH fleets, not just overall. I think that is worth lobbying for in the future.

We also had reasonable and comfortable weather for racing, if a little too low in the mornings, but no races were stopped, unfinished, or cancelled so that a complete series of races were possible for both fleets - very lucky.

Chris Mitchell needs to be again congratulated for designing, creating and supplying a great fleet of yachts that sailed magnificently.

Profile

All his life Colin has lived and worked in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. He had been sailing as crew on a "Skate" dinghy when 16 but didn't return to sailing until 1995, well after an accident left him a C5-C6 complete quadriplegic.

Colin tried sailing the Access 2.3 at a Melbourne Boat Show and loved the freedom of being able to move around without a wheelchair. He quickly progressed into the more challenging Access 303 double.

Colin has competed at State and National level for five years. Originally coming last at the Nationals, he now competes in the 303 open class (including non-disabled, amputees, paras and quads) and comes in the middle of the field in a manual boat. He beat all those with any hand disability at the last Nationals, and looks forward to sailing the Liberty yacht with full servo electrics in the coming Worlds. Colin has obtained sponsorship for his Liberty from the Docklands Authority. Colin is also President of the Docklands Sailability Club, located in Melbourne's new Docklands residential and business district development, right beside the Melbourne central business district.

Colin has been involved in the Liberty prototype testing as he
(a) lives near excellent testing areas of Docklands and Williamstown
(b) weighs about 80 kg so Chris could see how the boats sailed and rode with that weight
(c) really enjoyed being part of the development process of a new boat

Sailing manually is possible for Colin but not easy. Without grip in his hands, he has to haul ropes by wrapping them round his wrist then pulling and often holding a sheet in his teeth. For steering he has a fork on the top of the joystick but at times, especially during a windy race, his weaker than normal arms sometimes run out of force.

Using electric winching and steering should allow Colin to concentrate on the tactics of sailing rather than the mechanics (it's hard deciding whether to steer or adjust sheets, while maintaining his balance, as he can't do all these at once). His rounding of marks should improve greatly with the assistance of the servo assistance as his lack of hand function will be minimised.

The Accident that Changed His Life - Colin started flying hang gliders back in 1974 after trying conventional fixed wing gliding. It was the most incredible feeling. To fly so exposed and basic, yet have the ability to surf the wind for hours with sea birds or eagles for company, was mind blowing. Thrilling sports were his addiction - in fact he was an 'adrenalin junkie'.

Reality with a thump!
In 1977, he was a twenty year old student at Melbourne University studying Microbiology, when he had an accident hang gliding. Colin damaged his spine and spinal chord at the Cervical C4,C5,C6 levels (broken neck), as well as T1&T2 levels, leaving him a quadriplegic. With no feeling or movement below the chest and limited movement of arms, he now uses a manual wheelchair for day-to-day mobility. Practically no functional grip has made him adapt many things so that he can use them. Colin drove his own car again only one year after his accident and went on to post graduate studies in ergonomics in 1981. He had also establishing a small manufacturing and design business at home.

The need to have others build some parts led to him to learning technical drawing, buying a manual drawing machine, that later became redundant as he developed computer skills and Computer Aided Drafting knowledge. Colin is currently the Institute Intranet Administrator at Kangan Batman Institute of TAFE, but hopes to be moving to a design and R&D role in 2004. He drives the 35 km (each way) to work from a home, he and his wife designed themselves and had built 2 ½ years ago near the beach.

HERB MEYER - U.S.A.
Classification 1

Post Regatta Comments

Thank you Jackie and Chris for both creating the Liberty and making your dreams of a world-class Regatta come true. Pages could easily be written to thank all the volunteers, sponsors, Sail Melbourne, Blairgowrie Yacht Club, and on and on.

What this Regatta did was to make it possible for sailors with severe disabilities and sailors with very severe disabilities to sail a marvelous boat safely and very competitively on a "level playing field". Watching Andrew, a ventilated quadriplegic, sail his boat with confidence and obviously safely was inspirational.

I cannot wait to be able to sail a Liberty on San Francisco Bay on a typical summer day with winds blowing steadily through the Golden Gate Bridge at 18 to 20 knots. Tacking up the Bay along the city front and past the St. Francis Yacht Club will simply be fantastic.

The Liberty has Liberated Sailors with Severe Disabilities !!

Profile

I was enjoying a sail on San Francisco Bay in July 1993. The boat was a Rhodes 50. I was handling the Genoa sheet when I was pulled forward suddenly and I struck my head on a bench causing a spinal cord injury in the C5/6 area. I instantly became a quadriplegic.

In the spring of 1994 I found out about the world of Sailors with Disabilities. I was invited to attend a meting of the Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors (BAADS). Immediately after the meeting, I was invited to go for a sail on an Erickson 27. What a wonderful experience it was to be sailing again as I did not think it was a possibility because of my paralysis. I progressed in my recovery and found out there were nationwide and worldwide organisations providing opportunities to sail and to compete in sailboat racing. I had been involved in racing sailboats for over 30 years prior to my injury and welcomed the opportunity to be on a race course again.

The first time that I had a chance to see the Access Dinghies was at the Mobility Cup in Toronto, Canada in 1999. Chris Mitchell and Jackie Kay were making a trip throughout the USA and Canada introducing the boats to various organisations. I was quite intrigued with the capabilities of these boats to introduce new people to sailing whether they be disabled or able bodied.

I have had the opportunity to compete in Access Dinghies regattas in the USA and in Australia. I have been very much impressed with the servo-electric system to aid in the handling of the sails and steering mechanism. It was truly a wonderful feeling to be able to sail independently again.

I am looking forward to competing in the 2004 IFDS Single Person Dinghy World Championships in Fleet A in which all the competitors will be using the servo-electric system. Consequently this will be the first regatta in which there will be a "level field" for the competition for all participants.

Good day and we will see you on the racecourse.

HIROSHI ODA - Japan
Classification 1

Mr. Hiroshi Oda sailed Access Dinghies from the first year which they came to Japan in1999. He was immediately attracted to the charm of Access Dinghies, and made remarkable progress.

Hiroshi works in a welfare institution for the aged, a position obtained from an introduction from a Sailability acquaintance. He speaks with people coming to the institution, giving them encouragement. Hiroshi is able to participate in this World regatta because of the assistance of the people of these facilities.

Hiroshi can move only with his electric wheelchair because of Cerebral Palsy. However, when he rides on this boat, he can move more quickly than able bodied sailors. The results of his first race were terrible in the 2000 Australian Championship. However, the 2001 International Championship in Canberra, he ranked 2nd following Ame. And for the 2002 International Championship held in Osaka, he reached his goal of first place.

After that, Hiroshi has participated also in dinghy races in which abled bodied sailors participate. He has practiced, and has become quicker still. The Liberty will enable Hiroshi to achieve even greater results.

ZOLTAN PEGAN - Hungary
Classification 2

Post Regatta Comment

My only complaint would be with the scoring system used. Specifically, the way that a tied score was broken. I recently moved to Hungary to establish a disabled sailing program here under the banner of the newly formed Sailability Hungary, based on the model of what I experienced as a member of Sailability New South Wales over the past 7 years. I am trying to promote our sport and get disabled kids involved. It's been very hard to put a positive spin on a World Championship in our chosen sport where you can win every race but not win the championship because the rules are biased against you. It was going to be a hard-fought battle against sailors of the skill-level of Dan Fitzgibbon and Peter Thompson anyway, but when the Sailing Instructions were revised mid-way through the competition, it became apparent that it was going to be a "Fleet A" sailor that came out on top.

If this was meant to be a test event for Classification 1 sailors only, with the desired result being a World Champion with a Class 1 medical rating, then we 2s should not have been invited. If we were meant to be more than "Fleet B" we should have either had a reasonable chance at winning the competition, or there should be an altogether separate World Championship for non-servo sailors. IFDS needs to consider carefully how to run such events without patronizing the severely disabled sailors we are trying to include in world class competition, and without bias to others who travel half-way around the world to participate in a sailing competition.

That said, it'a shame that the 2004 IFDS Single Person Dinghy World Championship, hosted by Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron was not better attended. Everything from the weather to the closing ceremony was right on. My thanks to everyone involved.

Since I started sailng in 1997, I've sailed all the boats being used by the disabled sailing community in general, except the trapseat Hobbie. I've spent more time in a 2.4mR than anything else. This past year I haven't spent as much time on the water as in previous years so I was keen to get out on the water and try out the new Liberty.

The Access Liberty is a pleasure to sail. Over the course of the competition we sailed in conditions varying from 3-25 knots, in flat and in choppy water, and the Liberty sailed well in all conditions. It's light enough to move well in almost no breeze and at the same time it is very sailable even with full sail in 25 knots. (This was during practice racing, when I wanted to see how the boat would do and whether I should reef. I decided not to.)

During and after the competition a number of people commented on the different ways that sails were set and how this affected performance. I had both speed and height on the rest of the fleet in most conditions. In light conditions the sails have plenty of fullness for drive. In stronger winds I had the main on pretty much block-to-block, brought the jib outhaul on a little and made sure that the jib was not on too hard. (It's easy to overtrim the jib and choke the main.) Then let the boat sail itself. There's just enough friction in the steering lines that the rudders don't wander like a tillered boat.

Sailing to windward - The Liberty points well and handles the gusts beautifully. The flexibility of the masts and the jib bow allows the boat to handle gusts without a tendency to want to round up. In a strong gust the main mast flexes and depowers, while the jib gets a bit fatter. Both tend to reduce weather helm. The angle of heel does not change appreciably in these gusts. The rudder bites well, as one blade is almost vertical in the water at this angle of heel.

Sailing downwind - The jib is very easy to set wing-and-wing and gybing is easy. The boat surfs well. The boom vang helps maintain the sail shape downwind.

Feeling of safety - The steady heel angle and the high, wide gunwales are very reassuring in gusty conditions. The twin rudder blades make maneouvering easy even at 25 knot wind strength. Only spray came over the bow, mostly when tacking through the waves in 25 knot winds. The boat did not ship water over the side at any time.

The seating is infinitely variable to suit any size and shape, with supports added or the entire seat removed easily.

Not having used the servos during the regatta, I can't comment there.

The brightly coloured sails made it possible for spectators on shore to watch the races with relative ease. Just don't be over the starting line early if your boat stands out so well from the pack.

To sum up: it was a smoothly run regatta; the volunteers and helpers were well-trained; the rules need looking at; and the Liberty is an excellent single person dinghy for severely disabled sailors to race in. Looking forward to the 2005 Liberty Worlds, Zoltan Pegan.

Profile

Zoltan Pegan, 45, was born in Sydney Australia, has lived in Canada, USA and Australia and recently moved to Budapest, Hungary to start a disabled sailing program there. The newly formed Sailability Hungary has just joined IFDS as of January 2004.

Zoltan is paraplegic after a skydiving accident in Canada in 1983, where he was flying as a search and rescue pilot with the Canadian Forces. He started sailing in 1999 in the Access 2.3 Dinghy, won his first Australian National Chamionship in 1998, and again in 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2003.

He represented Australia in three IFDS World Chamionships in the Sonar Class. Zoltan also competed in numerous State and Natonal championships in the 2.4mR.

As a Trustee of the Access Dnghy Foundation Zoltan is keen to develop the accessible sailing concept throughout the world.

Zoltan wants to take the Championship Trophy back to Hungary in the hope that some disabled youngsters will want to learn to sail and possibly become world class competitors themselves.

FERNANDO PEREIRO - Portugal
Classification 1

Fernando José Pereira was born in Matosinhos, Portugal, forty-four years ago. When he was 18 years old a progressive neuromuscular disease was diagnosed.

Since then, he got used to his new life and started working at the Leixões Port, at Matosinhos when he was 19 years old. He worked there for 30 years. Today he is already retired. Meanwhile, at 23 years old he had a child whom he had to take care of alone.

Regarding his sport life, he practices "boccia" at high competition levels. As Fernando always lived near the sea, soon he was attracted to the nautical sports, but thought it would be quite difficult for him to practice. Eighteen months ago he had the opportunity to try a sailing boat and he loved it. Since then he tries to sail every weekend.

CRAIG SCANLAN - Australia
Classification 1

Post Regatta Comment

As the hooter sounded and I crossed the line for the start of the first race a dolphin surfaced between my boat and Ame's. What an omen! Apart from a little steering problem in that race, the rest of the races and every other aspect of the regatta ran along brilliantly. Even Mother Nature blessed us with good sailing conditions every day.

The Liberty dinghies performed brilliantly. I felt secure and had such confidence in the boat that at the end of race 8 I wanted to do a runner and sail out of The Heads. Thankyou to Chris, firstly for designing, and secondly, for assembling the boats ready for us to race each day. Thankyou to Barny and the others in the tent who lifted, drilled, sawed and somehow secured 22 sailors of every impossible shape, size and need into their boat. And thankyou to all the volunteers on land, jetty and water who moved mountains.

Congratulations to Blairegowrie Yacht Club for the venue and providing every possible amenity and service. Congratulations to Dan and Zolten for their brilliant sailing. They set a standard for the rest of us to aspire to.....and we will.

Profile

Craig Scanlan was born in Melbourne, Australia in 1956. As a kid, Port Phillip Bay was virtually his backyard, but he never actually sailed in it. He was a mad-keen surfer and escaped to the coast whenever he could. In 1975, aged 18, he dived into the bay and became a C5/6 incomplete quadriplegic.

After rehab he studied Fine Arts and became active in the disability movement as a cartoonist/illustrator and editor. He always liked to travel, especially to the Indian subcontinent. Later, he studied writing, and now endeavours to make that his fulltime occupation.

In 1999 he moved to Lake Macquarie where he first began to sail Access Dinghies at Belmont. He loved the sensation of being active in the water again, the wind, getting wet and competing.

Two years ago he moved further north to Byron Bay and now sails on Lake Ainsworth with the Northern Rivers Access Dinghy club. He has competed in the Queensland State Titles gaining second place in Division 1 in the 2.3's, and first place in Division 1 at the Gold Coast Masters' 2002.

YOKO SONE - Japan
Classification 2

Yoko Sone was born in Japan in 1966. She is such a outgoing and diligent person that everybody likes her. Unfortunately, she met with a car accident at seven years old. She is gifted with musical talent. So she would be a good musician, if she had not had an accident.

She was fond of sports and she enjoyed playing basketball, tennis,ski and etc. In 2000, she started to sail with the cruising yacht which is owned by NPO. At first, she enjoyed sailing. But she was not satisfied only by it. In 2001, she often participated in the race of Lake Biwa which is the biggest lake in Japan. And, she took up the first place in one race. In 2002, she took part in the race at the sea,too. She was able to get the experience and technical skill with excellent crew in a short time. In 2002,2003, she participated in the world race of a qualifying trial of Paralympic Games.

In 2003/May, she came across an access dinghies. She did not meet with good result of race in Osaka due to lack of practice. So this race will become a good experience for her.

PETER THOMPSON - Australia
Classification 2

Post Regatta Comment

I am probably coming at it from a differant perspective than most sailors because of 8 years of 2.4mR sailing up to the level of open world championships and paralympics.

I found the Liberty is a very stable, safe, dry, comfortable boat. It would seem
an ideal boat for those with higher level disabilities. I think most sailors at level 1 would find a 2.4 difficult to sail at all let alone be competitive. The Liberty seems to level the field at this level.

The sailing feel is quite differant from the 2.4 in that it is not as
responsive or sensitive. However I think this is unimportant because it
is just as hard to win and it levels the playing field and thats what is
important. The costs seem very reasonable from a point of view of getting as many people sailing as possible.

I also think the majority of sailors at this level enjoy sailing solo,
probably because they are so dependant most of the time it is a fantastic feeling to be independant sailing.

PANAYOTIS TSINGANOS - Greece
Classification 1

Post Regatta Comments

SMELL FROM THE WORLDS

Oh, the World's at Blairowrie, Melbourne! Some people called it event or happening, calculating costs and gains and losses. But no, it was not anything like that, nor anything that money can buy.

For money can't buy euphoria, inspiration or excitement. Money can't buy the breeze and it can't buy the heel of the boat. Money can't buy justice and it can't create an equal playing field, allowing Andrew (ventilated), Lindsay (CP) and Ame (you know her?) among others to beat me, as they sailed better than me. Money can't buy freedom.

At the closing ceremony, I stood up and expressed my thankfulness and gratefulness to Chris and Jackie. Now I give them a low, but proud, bow. We all deserve it. Now I know, I was part of it.

Profile

Panayotis Tsinganos is a Greek C5 quadriplegic, after a car accident in 1987. He had been sailing as a boy in the years 1978 through 1983. He began sailing the Optimist, he continued with Laser and 420's, and even sailed occasionally Finn and 470.

After being hospitalized in Greece and Germany he was in a really bad condition, unable to even sit still on his wheelchair without being secured in it. Nine years later, after lots of efforts (operations and physical therapy) he managed to go to the Athens Univ. and graduate the Biology dept. in 2000. He got involved with computer programming and started his own business in 2001, as a software developer and scripter. His site's URL is: http://www.netlab.gr.

He is an activist in the fields of Ecology and Disability Awareness. He is a writer and has been interviewed by the mass media many times. He discovered Sailability and Access Dinghy Foundation in October 2002. After a lot of hard volunteer work and taking advantage of the Access Dinghy Foundation 's will and support, he launched Sailability Hellas with a legacy of 5 Access Dinghies (one Liberty, named "Jackie").

For Panayotis (what a name to pronounce!) who is a musician too, sailing represents the magic in his life. "I am not interested in the luring prize", he concedes. "This World Regatta is by itself very important for the upgrading of Persons with Severe Disabilities' life-status. Being part of it is 'all the money' for me".

He sings Neil Young's song:

See the losers in the best bars
Meet the winners in the dives
Where the people are the real stars
All the rest of their lives

As long as we can sail away
As long as we can sail away
There 'll be wind in the canyon
Moon on the rise
As long as we can sail away

For regatta information - Sail Melbourne International Regatta

For Access Liberty information - Chris Mitchell, Access Dinghies

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