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TELLTALES - JULY 2004
Volume 5 Issue 3
1. Access Dinghy announces the impending birth of our
new baby
2. North American Access Dinghy Regatta - Fred Hess,
Stockton
3. RYA Sailability National Regatta
4. Wallace MacAskill Yacht Club, Novia Scotia, Canada
5. India Initiates the Dream of Sailing for All
6.2004 UK Access Dinghy Travellers Series
7. Sailability Hellas - sailing at last
8. Singapore Racing Skills Clinic
9. Can One Weekend Change Your Life? Nth
American AD C'ships
10. Afloat without a Boat - Sailability Malaysia
11. Tianjin Government Leaders, China - City of Melbourne
12. Sailability at Gold Coast - by Mimi of Japan
13. Able Sailing in the Antipodes, Audrey Kobayashi
(Canada)
14. 2005 IFDS Single Person Dinghy World Championship
15. Upcoming Events
1. Access Dinghy announces the impending birth of our new baby
The Access Dinghy family started in the early 90's with the birth of
our first child, a little wide seater with a pivoting un-ballasted centreboard
and over the shoulder tiller which we named the "2.3 Sailer".
This was followed by the development of our range of joystick controlled,
ballasted centreboarders. Our family now consists of six "kids"
who have captured the hearts and imagination of the global community.
Of these six models, three are wide seaters, suitable for two sailors
sitting side by side. As a matter of fact, generally 30% of competitors
at Access Dinghy National Regattas sail in the doubles event, so this
is by no means a new concept for Access Dinghy sailors. We have though,
always encouraged sailors with a disability to experience the empowerment
of sailing solo, acknowledging that many people never have the opportunity
to experience "aloneness" and total independence in any other
aspect of their lives. Until the evolution of the Liberty, sailors with
a very severe disability were unable to compete at elite level competition
in a solo event.
We recognise that accessible sailing is still in the embryonic phase
and that the majority of sailors, particularly in the less wealthy and
developing world will need more experience before safely handling the
added complexity of spinnakers. However, the recent Two Person Worlds
has dramatically escalated the hype, building up the potential popularity
of this format.
Therefore, to satisfy this evolving new market, we at Access Dinghy believe
that those sailors who prefer the two-person format deserve choice, and
now is the time to for us to introduce a modern, exciting and safe two
plus person craft.
In keeping with the tradition behind all our innovative designs, the
Universal 5 is of "Universal
Design" so can be sailed by anyone regardless of ability, either
solo, two-up, and with enough reserve buoyancy and space for a third crew
member, even a small family. The U5 is a high performance wide body sport
boat, or is it better described as a high performance ballasted skiff?
The masters of innovation behind the Universal 5 guarantee a breathtakingly exciting, perfectly balanced “rocket ship” – the ultimate for those sailors wishing to take their multi-crewed racing to the highest level.
-· With lines and rig by the worlds top "sports boat" designers.
-· Built by Access Dinghies, and with our next generation servo
assist system, the U5 is guaranteed to be twice the boat, and real value
for money.
The U5 will be the first in a range of larger ocean going craft of universal
design for competition and charter, giving equity for sailors with disabilities
to cruise tropical waters, or compete in events like the transatlantic
Mini Trasat.
The world launch of the U5 will be in Weymouth UK, at the RYA Sailability
National Regatta in June 2005 (see Item 3. below).
For more information contact Chris
Mitchell
(return to Index)
2. Email from Fred Hess of Stockton, California
North American Access Dinghy Regatta
Dear Chris,
I can't thank you enough for the tremendous amount of effort and help
you gave me to get properly fitted in your Liberty, and then to let me
go out and thrash you. I really think that what happened was absolute
magic and a watershed event. Disabled sailors, even very seriously disabled,
now can sail equally against able-bodied thanks to you and your incredible
little boat. Unless you were just absolutely sandbagging me, it seemed
like I was very able to compete against you on all points of sail, even
downwind with a weight disadvantage.
The whole two days were absolutely incredible for me, and I am totally
grateful to you. It has been 30 years since I have been racing dinghies,
and the feeling of joy and achievement was so overwhelming to me that
I was unfortunately simply unable to speak at the awards ceremony to adequately
express my appreciation to you and everyone who had come to help me and
cheer me on. I was crying with tears of joy and happiness. It IS possible
now for many of us very seriously disabled sailors to race.
My new goals are to attend every Liberty Worlds if I possibly can, and to build towards a campaign to go to Beijing 2008. You have given me a new life. My gratitude is beyond words, and I am so choked up even now trying to express my feelings to you that I am having a lot of difficulty with my voice recognition dictation system!! So, enough already! THANKS MATE!!
Fred (right) discussing with Chris Mitchell his seating and position of
electronic controller for the Liberty.
3. RYA Sailability National Regatta
RYA Sailability is pleased
to announce the RYA Sailability National Regatta which will be held at
Weymouth from 9 - 11 June 2005. The major upgrade of facilities at Weymouth
Sailing Academy will make this a world-class centre, becoming a part of
London's bid for the 2012 Olympics/Paralympics. It is hoped that the Centre
will be opened by RYA Sailability Patron, HRH The Princess Royal.
Make a note of this date as it is sure to be an occasion not to be missed.
The RYA Sailability National Regatta events will include a Liberty teams
racing competition, the official launch of Sailability International as
well as the world unveiling of the new Universal 5 (see Item 1).
(return to Index)
4. Email from Barry MacNeil
Vice Commodor, Wallace MacAskill Yacht Club, Canada
Dear Mr. Mitchell,
Wallace
Mac Askill Yacht Club is located in St. Peters, Nova Scotia , Canada .
We have just concluded the first Access Boom Sailing School ever held
in the Province of Nova Scotia . The instructors were from the Access
Boom Sailing School of the Ontario Sailing Association , Ontario Canada.
In fact the school was such a success we have raised enough money to purchase
at least one Access 2.3 for what we plan will be a permanent sailing center
for ability sailing in the Province of Nova Scotia. Mr. Frank Denis ,
Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Yachting Association has indicated
that funds will be made available by the Provincial Government to support
the growth of our program. We are especially impressed with the safety
and performance of your Access 2.3. They will be used for both ability
sailors and in our ( also new ) junior sailing program. Club members are
convinced that your dinghies are the ones to have at our club. (return
to Index)
5. India Initiates the Dream of Sailing for All
Dipak Pradipak
We were excitedly preparing for the launch of the Hobie Cat Championship
at Visakhapatnam, on the Indian coast At the same time we had discovered
a handicapped sailor in our midst - Dimi who has Polio.
The Hobie website offered a lot of leads and all were followed. Mike
Strahl, the designer and world champion at the Trapseat Worlds, graciously
permitted us the copyrights. The Canadian and the American sailors ferreted
out the stocks of trapseats. Then we realized that the cost of the seat
and its transportation to Visakhapatnam would be beyond our reach. Sorry
Dimi!
Enter the Aussie's, Allan and Janice Jones, from Sydney's Sailability! Seasoned sailors and intrepid travellers, with a special feeling for the handicapped, they offered to fly out to Hyderabad, India and carry two trapseats with them, install on a Hobie at Visakhapatnam, and stay on to teach its use. All this at their own expense - and the trapseats were donated by Sailability. Wow!
Word of this generous offer went out amongst the sailors. The media picked
it up and carried articles and interviews during the event. The host hotel,
The Park, "the only five star on the beach", rolled out their
red carpet and offered a very special deal. Allan and Janice arrived on
schedule along with the trapseats. Enroute to Vishakapatnam we got to
know a bit more about Sailability and their philosophy. The incredible
Access Dinghy. More accessible to the masses by virtue of its low cost
and host of features (more stability, lower CG, weighted centreboard,
joystick control, furling main sail).
If it could be used for paraplegics, it could also attract nervous new
comers to this sport, and our hordes of native fisher folk to get in to
the spirit of sailing. As we listened and thought about the Access Dinghy's
relevance to India we realised this concept ideally suited our country.
A long coastline, innumerable lakes, many young, talented and skilled
fisher folks living on the shores, not one able to afford to own a boat
of their own.
Could they form a club or association with the Access Dinghy available
to all and use the boats for charter, ferry, joy ride and classes to supplement
their income? And the bulk of the school and college students, who hitherto
had been restrained by their vigilant Moms to step in to a dangerous,
tippy little craft, could now learn the rudiments within one hour, in
a tried and tested craft packed with safety features. The boat permitted
quick learning and orientation with regard to wind and destination. Instant
hands on enjoyment against a long slog as lowly crewmember. What is needed
is wide publicity of this opportunity.
Perhaps we could attract more disabled sailors on to the water. In this
sport they would be on level playing field. The armed forces have a formidable
number of handicapped personnel equipped with artificial limbs and other
aids. Would they not be interested in this revolutionary and safe boat
to sail and enliven the existent of their veterans?
We would have to keep the cost of the boat down to challenge the strangle
hold and appeal of the established international classes. So we did our
survey of boat building facilities, travelling to distant Bangolore, Mumbai
& Chennai and found most of them competent to handle the task. Our
cheaper labour cost would ensure that!
India is a vast country so we would need to foster Sailability at established
sailing centres simultaneously and have a travelling road show for the
rest. We had earlier boasted of 42 clubs in the country but the rarefied
atmosphere of sailing prevalent at the time caused a drop in interest
and we've lost half of them. The Access should be able to revive interest
in Sailing with its low cost, accelerated learning curve and advanced
technology.
We have identified the centres who are seriously into training sailors and have enrolled them in this exercise. We have played the CD on the Access at sailing events and built up interest. We now await the first boats eagerly and look forward to producing and sailing them here at the earliest.
The Indian Army took one month to build the sailing facilities for the
Hobie Nationals at Visakhapatnam.
Left: Jan Jones & Dipak at Vishakapatnam.
Dipak Pradipak, has been presented the ARJUNA award for the best sportsperson
from the Government of India, is an ISAF International Juror and an active
organizer who will be at the International Access Dinghy Championships
at Belmont in Australia, 2-3 October.
(return to Index)
6.2004 UK ACCESS DINGHY TRAVELLERS SERIES
For more information contact SSM
Following on the success of previous years, the UK Access Dinghy Association
has planned another exciting series of Traveller Trophy (TT) races for
2004, for all those Access Dinghy sailors who like to travel to other
clubs to compete. This year we have a total of ten events, nine of which
are TT's, the tenth being the UK National Championships. Of the nine TT
events, five are to count, which will keep the contest achievable for
those who, for whatever reason, are unable to travel to all events. We
also make sure that some events are mid week, for those sailors or groups
who prefer weekday sailing, or are unable to make weekends. Once again
the TT event to be held at Carsington Water will, in addition to being
a TT race, be for the "Duke of Devonshire Trophy".
The UK National Championships this year is a four-day event that includes
the first day as a practice and training day, followed by three days of
racing. The UK National Championships is a 'stand alone' event, and does
not count towards the "Traveller Trophy" series.
We aim to build on the success of the previous five years of the 'Traveller
Series' with a friendly 'apres sail' atmosphere, where sailors and helpers
can meet old friends and make new ones. We would urge new sailors, or
those who have not previously travelled to Traveller events, to join us
this year. The camaraderie, encouragement and sheer enjoyment to be had
at these events should not be missed by anyone for whom Access sailing
has become an important part of their leisure activities.
We have to date held three of the nine TT events. 35 sailors took part
at Frensham Pond, 27 at Pitsford Water and 26 at the Woolverstone Project.
The fleet has so far raced in a variety of conditions, although mainly
bright sunshine with moderate to light winds. The season so far has seen
some excellent individual successes with some personal bests being exceeded.
The competition at the front of the fleet is tight, and keen competitiveness
is being seen right throughout the fleet. One competitor recently commented
that, no matter where you find yourself within the fleet, you have a real
race on your hands!
Shore helpers have done their usual excellent job in supporting the series,
and the real success of Access sailing, as competitors cross the starting
line and enjoy real freedom out on the water, never fails to inspire everyone
involved. Access sailor John Aldridge comments: "I had never sailed
before I tried the Access boats. Now I can't imagine life without the
freedom and friendships of Access sailing, and taking part in the Traveller
series means everything to me."
Dates and details of the UK Series:
- Wednesday May 5th: Frensham Pond Sailability, Surrey
- Saturday May 15th: Pitsford Water, Brixworth, Northampton
- Wednesday June 9th: Woolverston Project, Ipswich
- Friday 25th to Monday 28th June. The 2004 UK National Championships at Whitefriars Sailing for Disabled, Cotswold Water Park, Gloucestershire.
- Saturday July 10th: Swarkstone Sailing Club, Derbyshire.
- Saturday July 24th: Nottinghamshire Sailing Club.
- Saturday August 7th Rutland Sailability. Rutland Water
- Wednesday 18th August: Carsington Sailing Club, Derbyshire.
For the "Duke of Devonshire" Trophy. - Saturday September 4th: Tideway Sailability, Surrey Docks, London
- Wednesday 29th September: Burghfield Sailing Club, Reading. This
is the last of the 2004 TT series and will include the Traveller Series
prize-giving.
(return to Index)
7. Sailability Hellas - sailing at last
Panayotis Tsinganos, Chairman
Who would believe it? All this bureaucracy on the process of officially
launching a new organization! It was a big climb-up: right at the moment
you are getting on one peak, you are looking at the next one. Oh God:
why it was not as simple as sailing the Access Dinghies?
But we made it! Now, Sailability Hellas is ready to go official. It's
been too long: one year ago Neil & Barbara were here, volunteering
and sharing our exciteness at our first Come & Try Days. In January
we participated at the Worlds in Port Philip Bay, experiencing some unforgettable
moments. Now, the long-long process of forming Sailability Hellas is completing.
Isn't it something?
Consider this: when one is in the battle, he doesn't care about history. Nevertheless he probably makes it happen. This is our feeling now: we sit back and think of Andrew, Ame, Lindsay (I miss you guys and girls), myself sailing competing on our own in a World regatta, we talk about the shape of our new stamp, we watch at the footage and say hey! Disabled are no longer disabled at terms of sailing. Well done, I thought. What do you think?
Panayotis using Liberty Servo Assist Controller at the Single Person Worlds
at Blairgowrie, Australia in January this year.
8. SINGAPORE RACING SKILLS CLINIC
Lim Si Yuan
The Sailability Workshop and racing clinic had broadened my knowledge about the Access 2.3, 2.4 and Liberty boats. I am now clearer about sailing rules than before. Mr. Zoltan also clarified my doubts about the differences between waves and current. I have learnt that even the slightest adjustments to the sails could change the performance of the boat dramatically. We went through the basic sailing theory, access dinghy sailing theory, what are the racing rules to apply when rounding mark windward to port. We also learnt about how we make use of the waves in the sea to our advantage; this part was actually taught in the 'weather' section in the workshop notes. We also leant about tacking and gibing and when to reef. Reefing is a new term, which I came across. It is a term that means reducing the power of the sail in this case for access 2.3 it is to ease the sail so that the boat will not heel. The use of telltales will also improve the sailor's judgment of wind direction and strength. We also learnt when must we do a penalty turn of 360 degrees for access dinghy and the right of way for each of the boats, whether its leeward, windward on a port or starboard tack. Zoltan with his experience told us about his preferences when rigging the 2.3 boats. He also gave us some tips as to rig a boat to optimize its performance. On the whole I find the workshop enriching and fruitful. More info contact Alan Tan of Singapore Disability Sports Council. (return to Index)
9. Can One Weekend Change Your Life?
Jane Rayburg, Regatta Chair-Access
Dinghy Nth American C'ship
Can one small sailboat race in the clear waters of Lake Erie actually
change your life? It did for several participants, volunteers, and spectators
at this year's Access Dinghy North American Championships! Sponsored by
the Erie Adaptive Sailing Experience (EASE) and sailed in Presque Isle
Bay in Erie, Pennsylvania, the event was held on June 19 & 20, 2004.
As has now become the tradition for Access Dinghy races in Erie, it began
with the sounds of bagpipes played from the deck of the historic US Brig
Niagara, and with a series of proclamations from the Mayor and legislators,
commending the Junior League of Erie and the Bayfront
Center for Maritime Studies (BCMS), founding partners of EASE, for
their efforts in developing the program and hosting this international
event. A special proclamation was given to Chris Mitchell, owner/designer
of Access Dinghies, who was honored for his passion in promoting the sport
of sailing and his tireless efforts in carrying the message of hope to
individuals with disabilities literally across the world. "We have
been involved in numerous Access Dinghy regattas around the world, but
none I think have been as important as the Access Dinghy 2004 Nth American
Championships held in June in Erie Pennsylvania. For apart from the usual
festival of love and achievement, which an Access Dinghy event always
represents, in Erie we met an outstanding group of like-minded people
with whom we propose to work to achieve a long held, yet so far elusive
goal." Mitchell said.
On Saturday, able-bodied and disabled sailors from 6 US states and 4 countries,
ranging in age from 15 to 85 competed in the North American Championships.
Cheered on by a crowd of spectators, the racers completed 4 races in the
Bay despite up to 20-knot winds. Safety concerns prevailed and the afternoon
races were moved to the East Canal Basin, where sailors displayed even
more expertise in maneuvering in the narrow waters.
Award winners included Fred Hess from California, in both the 2.3 and
Liberty divisions; returning champion. Chris Atkin (UK), successfully
defending his title again winning in the 303 singles division; and local
favorite Kristy Hurst and her partner Travis Burch capturing the 303 doubles
crown. Tom Haggerty, Buffalo, New York, received the Encouragement Award
for racing solo for the first time during the event. A last minute entry
deserving special recognition was 85 year old Werner Hess, father of Fred
Hess, who certainly showed the younger competitors how sailing should
be done. Every participant received a t-shirt and a keystone-shaped wooden
plaque designed and finished by BCMS students and featuring a watercolor
depiction of Access Dinghies sailing on Presque Isle Bay painted by local
artist Mary Kay Geary.
During
the races the determination and courage of the sailors was put to the
test but it was in the witnessing of the event and the stories each sailor
told of the love for the sport and their struggle to participate that
changed the lives of their families, regatta volunteers and members of
the Erie community. Many thanks to the participants, the volunteers, and
to the many contributors for making this event possible.
(return to Index)
10. Afloat without a Boat
Ian Anderson, Sailability
Malaysia
Time
has flown since our first come and try day and our launch on April 9th
at the beautiful lake at Putrajaya. At the launch Frankie Thanapal Sinniah,
Chairman of Sailability Singapore, committed a boat for our Malaysia effort.
Sailability Singapore's key sponsor National Orient Lines (NOL) has agreed
to sponsor a boat and I understand at press time the order will be placed
this month. A big thank you to NOL and Frankie for their support and encouragement!!
Also at the Malaysia Sailability launch, George Dunstan, Chairman of
FESPIC Games Liaison Committee, advised that there might be a chance to
include sailing on the 2006 FESPIC Games in Kuala Lumpur. In June we were
delighted to receive the news that this small chance has become a reality.
Thanks to George and all at FESPIC for their confidence in us, and to
the management of Malaysia Paralympic Committee, especially Enk Zainal,
Radha, and Commander Kamaruzaman for their efforts to make this a opportunity
a reality for Malaysia and Malaysian Paralympic sailors.
My brother Neil Anderson came up from Sydney to help with the launch
and brought with him a C Crane which we installed at Kelab Tasik Putrajaya.
Neil graciously left the C Crane behind as a gift to help us on our way
and enabling more disabled folk to sail. A big thank you Neil.
With
all this support and commitment happening around us, we determined that
we quickly needed some sailors ?. From our launch day we selected two
of our disabled sailors to attend a sailing workshop sponsored by SDSC
in Singapore on May 21 to 23. We sent Zul and Zac who were ably supported
by Commander Kamaruzaman and the Malaysia Paralympic Council. Our Malaysian's
were impressed by the support given to them by their Singaporean friends,
and soon to be competition! At the workshop the team sat under the expert
tutelage of Zoltan Pegan, flown in by Access Dinghy Foundation especially
for the event.
Support from Singapore Sailability continues and Zul was able to spend
a second weekend there. He joined the squad headed for Athens later this
year, logging more time on the water and refining the knowledge and skills
imparted by Zoltan. This time Zul encountered stronger winds, and our
Malaysian Sailor got his face wet with spray for the first time. Our beginner
discovered the thrill of sailing in fresh breeze and the adrenaline rushes
associated with the experience.
I am sure you will see and read more about our two Malaysian
adventurers in the future. (return
to Index)
11. Tianjin Government Leaders
Phillipa Powell, City of Melbourne,
International Relations Dept.
I wasn't sure exactly how the day would turn out. When I arrived at Victoria
Harbour on Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne for the demonstration of Access
Dinghies, our sailors were all wearing suits!! Our guinea pigs were the
Tianjin Government Leaders Group #6.
The
City of Melbourne hosts two groups of government leaders from its sister
city, Tianjin in China each year. They come for 12 wks on an international
study tour to learn about our government systems and international business.
The professional development program aims to broaden their knowledge,
develop skills and open them up to new experiences - something we were
definitely doing on this day.
We started out on a floating barge where Jackie Kay did a presentation
about Access Dinghies and we watched a video which was sure to whet the
appetite for many of our novice sailors. After Jackie's presentation,
Graham Rayner gave us of a technical explanation of the boat and where
to point it depending on the direction of the wind etc. Then, it was time.
We headed out on to the pier in to the extremely blustery weather, where
it also had just started to rain. I was thinking that conditions were
far from perfect. However, the enthusiasm of the group could not be dampened,
eagerly strapping on life-jackets over their business suits.
The first couple of leaders slid into the dinghies and it was all on.
Everyone standing on the pier was an expert shouting out directions to
those on the water. Chris Mitchell, through the voice of our interpreter
Charles Qin, managed to be heard over the top guiding the leaders to sail
and turn. We had a couple of near misses with the dinghies and also the
other boats moored on the pier but within minutes these Government Leaders
had a new string to add to their bow. They were sailors!
One by one they all had a sail and as they came back to the pier, their
smiles were as wide as the distance from Melbourne to China. They convinced
me to have a go and I soon understood why their smiles were so big. It
was amazing and so easy!
My
initial thoughts that the dinghy was going to tip over soon disappeared
as I continued to stay afloat. My mind drifted to thinking about how someone
with a disability would feel doing this. Here I was, someone who is fortunate
enough to be able to do everything on my own, without assistance, feeling
so great sailing a boat. I could only begin to imagine what it would be
like for a ventilated quad…how fantastic!
Thank you to Jackie, Chris and Graham for bringing the dinghies down
to Victoria Harbour so the Government Leaders could experience for themselves
their "Sail-ability". It was an extremely successful day and
let's hope we can get some dinghies over to China.
(return to Index)
12. Sailability at Gold Coast
Mimi from Japan
My husband and I had good experience of volunteer last winter when we
joined Sailability at Runaway Bay Marina at Gold Coast. There are three
yachts, lifeboat, thirteen Access Dinghies and so many kinds of equipments
to help some handicapped person to go on a boat safely. Almost twenty
volunteers took part in Sailability cheerfully and enjoy fully every Tuesday.
I was surprised at compact crane operated by hand and some equipment that
are useful to safety for both volunteers and handicapped persons.
So I thought there are much difference between Australia and Japan welfare
volunteer. I thought the difference was volunteers didn't hope for gratitude
and handicapped person didn't take gratitude for duty. I wonder why the
difference takes place. Does it depend on education? They can accept volunteer
naturally because they had experience on daily life and learned volunteer
since they was young. If we hope them for gratitude, that is not real
volunteer. I thought it was important that both volunteers and handicapped
persons enjoyed themselves.
In the last place we express our sincere gratitude to Sailability in
Gold coast all members, we are grateful to Fumiko and Mr. & Mrs. Nishii
who gave us good chance.
(return to Index)
13. ABLE SAILING IN THE ANTIPODES
Audrey Kobayashi
When I was invited to spend a recent term at the University of Canterbury,
Christchurch, I delighted at the opportunity to escape Ontario's winter
for an Aotearoa/New Zealand summer that would include some wonderful sailing
opportunities, both in Christchuch and in a number of sites in Australia.
The experience was simply spectacular, resulting in the formation of what
I hope will be lifelong friendships, and a sense of the support and strength
provided by the international Sailability network - not to mention a considerable
improvement in my sailing skills.
In New Zealand, I had the huge privilege of working with Ross May, a
paralympic coach, in weekly sessions at Charteris Bay Yacht Club on Lyttelton
Harbour, one of the most scenically beautiful spots on earth, presenting
some of the most exhilarating sailing challenges. I sailed a 2.4 Metre,
fast, maneuverable and highly technical, even compared to the Martin 16
to which I was accustomed. Ross seemed to know just how hard to push,
steadily increasing my skills without over-taxing. The winds that swirl
around the little coves and islands that make up Lyttelton Harbour are
much shiftier than the steady and relatively reliable winds of Kingston,
Ontario, so it's a great place to learn to read the wind and respond quickly.
I simply reveled in the experience of wonderful sailing conditions, beautiful
scenery and superb coaching.
My work also took me to Austalia, and more opportunities to sail. In
Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide I met the wonderful hospitality of several
Australian Sailability clubs, and experienced a variety of yachts and
sailing conditions. In Melbourne, I was humbled by the skills needed to
shift from the heavier keel boats to a single Access Dinghy. In Sydney,
I was awed by the experience of Friday twilight sailing on Sydney Harbour,
where I crewed in one of the Salvos at Rushcutter's Bay. The fact that
we placed third in a fleet of about 50 only added to the post-race spirit
at the clubhouse. The incredible support and volunteer dedication of the
sailors at Cronulla Bay set an example for Sailability clubs everywhere.
And in Adelaide, I was warmly welcomed by members of the Goolwa Regatta
Yacht Club and the Adelaide Sailing Club. Everywhere in Australia, the
levels of dedication, skill and organization set a wonderful example for
the world of disabled sailing.
Sailability Australia is a marvelous organization. Thanks to Jackie Kay,
who arranged contacts with the clubs in Australia, I have had the opportunity
to meet many of the huge number of disabled sailors and volunteers, to
sail in some of the most spectacular venues anywhere, and to learn much
about the organization of disabled sailing clubs. I returned to Canada
not only a much better sailor, but with a stronger sense of how much we
can learn about Sailability as a way of connecting people. That's really
what it's all about; friendship, mutual support, and making connections
across a growing global network.
(return to Index)
14. 2005 IFDS Single Person Dinghy World C'ship
Rutland Sailing Club, Great Britain - 15-23 August 2005
Sailors, the news you have been waiting for! Compete in another exciting, friendly World Championship regatta in the Liberty, being sailed on Rutland Waters.
Provisional Programme:
15, 16, 17-Preparation, Classification, Seating, Practice Races
18, 19, 20-Racing
21-Lay Day
22, 23-Racing
For more information contact Pauline
Harrison
(return to Index)
15. UPCOMING REGATTAS
2004
August 8
Canadian Access Dinghy C'ships
Quinte Sailability,
Quinte, Ontario
August 22
Sailability Singapore Regatta
Singapore Disability Sports Council
Changi Sailing Club, SINGAPORE
September 11-12
Access Dinghy NSW C''ships
Sailability Narooma
Wagonga Inlet, Narooma
NSW AUSTRALIA
October 2-3
Australian & Inter'l Access Dinghy C'ship
Belmont 16 Ft Sailing Club
Belmont NSW, AUSTRALIA
October 23-24
Port Stephens Cup
Grahamstown Dam, Medowie
Sailability Port Stephens, NSW, AUS
November 6-7
We Gotta Regatta
Tradewinds Foundation &
Collier County Parks and Recreation's
Sugden Regional Park,
Naples, Florida USA
November 9-10
Pan Pacific Masters Games
Access Dinghy Competition
Southport Yacht Club Qld AUSTRALIA
2005
June 9-11
RYA Sailability National Regatta
Liberty Teams Event
Weymouth, UK
RYA Sailability
August 15-23
2005 IFDS Single Person Dinghy World Championship
Rutland, GREAT BRITAIN
Pauline Harrison
2006
February TBA
Commonwealth Liberty C'ship
Waterfront City, Docklands
Docklands Yacht Club, Melbourne
AUSTRALIA
TBA
FESPIC Games
Kuala Lumpur
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