Access Dinghies
Access Dinghies


Maersk




Newsletters

TELLTALES - NOVEMBER 2006
Volume 7 Issue 3

CONTENTS
1.Austrialia supports Sailability Timor Leste

2. A Caring Community - Australia
3. India goes sailing
4. Sailability Fighters - Japan
5. 2007 Combined Access Class Worlds
6. FESPIC Games Malaysia
7. Special Olympics Selection Regatta Australia
8. Dobroyd Aquatic Club rises from the ashes
9. Sailability Philippines
10. Community-Corporate partnership
11.UPCOMING EVENTS

1. AUSTRALIA SUPPORTS SAILABILITY TIMOR LESTE

Recently the Access Dinghy Foundation received funding from the Australian Government, through the Timor Community Assistance Scheme (ETCAS) to establish Sailability Timor Leste. Australian Volunteers International and ADF signed a contract and John Hughan has been allocated to the project for 18 months to co-ordinate the establishment of Sailability. Project funding will provide 6 x Access Breeze, boat trailer, 20 x new lifejackets, RIB and engine and the container for storage, The container left Melbourne in late November. Sailability Timor Leste will begin in January 2007.

beach

Fishing boats, Watebo Beach, Baucau

John's update: "After several attempts to meet with His Excellency The Prime Minister of Timor Leste, Dr Jose Ramos Horta, the Nobel Peace Prize winner of 1996 has agreed to become the Patron of "Sailability Timor Leste". He has praised the work of Sailability World and the Access Dinghy Foundation in providing much needed programs in many countries throughout the world. He is excited about the prospect of Timor Leste joining the Sailability family.

We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the container from Australia and look forward to unloading all the goodies inside. There has been much planning and discussion with other NGO's and INGO's as well as Ministerial departments. Everyone has been very positive in their responses and can't wait to get involved. For many, it is such a totally new and different approach to a complex situation, and the simplicity of the program and the benefits to all Timorese will be apparent. It won't be long before we see sails on the horizon and Timorese people using the wind and enjoying themselves.

Thanks to everyone who has donated equipment and we'll be sure to send you some photos of the happy recipients. You should all be very proud of yourselves as we are of you! Many thanks and love from Timor Leste."

To help the Timorese community, a call was sent out Australia-wide to sailing clubs, sailmakers and boaters. The response was phenomenal and donations of lifejackets, sails, cordage, an Access 2.3 and Paper Tiger as well as variety of boat bits.

As well as providing recreation and sporting opportunities, Sailability TL will teach local fishermen to convert their canoes to sail so they are able to reach rich fishing grounds and better feed the community. ADF has included an industrial sewing machine in the container, so local Timorese can be trained to re-cut and sew sails for the fishing fleet. ADF sponsor Maersk Australia will take the container from Melbourne to Singapore, then Patricks Defense Logistics will transport the container to Dili, where it will remain as a storage unit for the Sailability equipment.

THANK YOU TO DONORS FOR
SAILABILITY TIMOR LESTE
Sailability Narooma NSW
Keppel Bay Sailing Club QLD
Royal Geelong Yacht Club VIC
Sailability Geelong VIC
Sailability Gippsland VIC
Latrobe Valley Yacht Club VIC
Vicki Harmon VIC
South Brisbane Sailing Club QLD
Horizon Sailmakers

And corporate sponsors
Maersk Australia
Patricks Defense Logistics
AusAID ETCAS
Australian Volunteers International (AVI)

container
Container loaded and ready for Timor Leste.

Return to top

 

2. A CARING COMMUNITYyachting australia logosailability logo
Jackie Kay

The National Sailability Committee of Yachting Australia comprises representative of the eight state and territory organizations under the umbrella of Sailability Australia. There are 59 volunteer operated Sailability groups. These programmes provide a staggering 50,000 sailing experiences each year to disadvantaged and disabled communities. With Australia's population of 20 million, there is a Sailability programme servicing an average 350,000 head of population - possibly the highest per capita rate in the world.

Yachting Australia has successfully completed Project CONNECT, an Australian Sports Commission venture that encourages the inclusion of athletes with disabilities into sport. Sailability's objective is the inclusion of sailors of all abilities into Sailing at all levels. Sailability Australia works closely with Yachting Australia and has made great advancements of achieving this goal.

At club level, Sailability programmes are delivered in a variety of ways - some by sailing clubs and some by Sailability clubs. But, however Sailability programmes are delivered, the common denominator is a team of many 1,000's of dedicated and passionate volunteers who are committed to improving the lives of people with disabilities and disadvantaged communities. Australia a is a far better place for their contribution. Australian sailors are the winners.

Below - At the NSW Access Championships held at Kogarah Bay in September.
Left to Right :
Phil Jones - CEO, Yachting Australia
Jackie Kay - Access Dinghy Foundation & Sailability World
Greg McCallum-CEO, NSW Sports Federation
Peter Cochran-Chairman, NSW Association of Disability Sport

photo

Return to top

 

3. INDIA GOES SAILINGindia flagaustralia flag
Allan Jones - Sailability Pittwater, AUS

Helen Cregan and Allan Jones arrived in Hyderabad early September, following the path of the three Access dinghies donated by Sailability Pittwater and the Access Dinghy Foundation.


alland and dipak
Allan Jones and Dipak Pradipak discuss accessible sailing. In India.
C.S. Pradipak winner of India's prestigious Arguna Award, is an
ISAF International Judge and is Vice President Rules & Measurement
of the International Access Class Assoc.

In the centre of the southern State of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad has a sailing club on the northern shores of Hassan Sagar lake, where sailing training was in progress. The President of Sailability India, Dipak Pradipak introduced Fatima Bee, who is representing India in the FESPIC Games. Fatima was born with a bone missing from her lower leg. Following many operations, she now is able to train in Optimist, Laser and Access Dinghies. Like most Indians, Fatima does not swim and this generates some fear, overcome in part by the stability and safety of the Access. This girl shows the drive and spirit of good skippers the world around and should do well.

The transport by truck of the Access 303 to the east coast to Vizag was arranged and Helen and Allan flew there to for the next sailing adventure, that is sailing the 303 through the surf to demonstrate it to 50 Sea Cadets gathered at Rishikonda Beach, about 20 k north of the City. With careful planning of a safe path through the waves, H&A with the blue sails happily pulling, sailed in the Bay of Bengal. After a safe return, Allan advised Dipak against using the dinghy in this venue. Next day, however the experiment was repeated with an Indian crew, who after some surfing like that seen at Bondi Beach, returned wet and bedraggled with a broken mast and boom and a missing rudder blade.

access and optimist
The 2.3 sailing wit the Optimist fleet in Mumbai on TS Jawahar

Across the continent to the west coast to Mumbai (Bombay) Helen and Allan were followed by a double 2.3 Access trucked again and this time delivered to the Sea Cadet Training Ship "Jawahar" with greetings from Commodore Rabi Ahuja. Rabi trains 1000 Cadets all under 18 years of age in sailing skills, drill and most importantly, swimming.

Helen and a senior cadet, Neeta Angre performed a Hindu launching ceremony. This must have worked, as the Access seemed quite at home among the Optimist dinghies sailed by skilled boy and girl Cadets. Rabi, at dinner that night at the Royal Bombay Yacht Club was delighted with Helen's suggestion that the Access remain for some time during the school vacation, as he had a plan to purchase three access 2.3's and use them to allow the Cadets to train young people with Cerebral palsy from a nearby school in sailing skills.

This means of integrating disabled young people with others in a common cause, is a wonderful way for sailing in the Access dinghy to be introduced to a country of such diversity as India.

FESPIC GAMES, PORT DICKSON MALAYSIA
Vindhyala Ramesh Reddy and Fatima Bee of Hyderabad
represented India
at the FESPIC Games Sailing Championship.
The Hyderabad 10K Foundation has generously sponsored
this young Indian team in their first introduction to
international sailing competition.
indian fespic sailors

Return to top

japan flagsailability japan logo

4.THE SAILABLITY "FIGHTERS"
Nobi Nishii - Chairman, Sailability Japan

One woman who supported the activity of Accessdinghy in Japan strongly, sadly disappeared in November 2005. It was my wife, NOBUKO. The activity of Accessdinghy in Japan began in 1999. She stood at the top and promoted this activity with me. She gave to it without sparing economic support and time. Recently I left Tokyo and moved to Osaka. I was worried that I couldn't contact the people who want to have activity of Accessdinghy and need my help.

The people who said that they want to "fight" for philosophy of Accessdinghy 'sailing for everyone' held my good-bye party from Tokyo. The "Fighters" helped the people who still needed help for 'Come and Try' of Accessdinghy in local Sailability group in Tokyo area.

* Misaki Fisheries High School is training students to sail Accessdinghy. In two years they hope to possibly set up a new experimental sailing subject of Marine Sports for care old and handicap people. But the teachers at the High School do not have sailing experience, so the Fighters helped and ran all ten classes for the students.
* Every month the group from Rainbow, drive for three hours from Tokyo to hold 'Come and Try'. They want to set up a work place for handicapped persons where people can also have the pleasure of sailing by Accessdinghy. They need help for Come and Try because Rainbow does not have any sailors. For this philosophy, the Fighters help every 'Come and Try'.
* Kasumigaura is the second biggest lake in Japan and Sailability Tuchiura organises three events each years where 70 to 100 participants come. Their agenda is sailing by Accessdinghy, wheelchair trial, and rowing canoe and dragon boat. Sailability Tuchiura needs the help of the Fighters.
* Yokohama Bayside Marina, is the biggest marina in Japan, has two Accessdinghy but there are no volunteers, so the Fighters help them. For three days during the hottest days in summer, they introduced sailing to 150.

nobi's fightersThe Fighters led the activity of Sailability Japan this season. There are more stories but no space. Let me say warm words of thanks to them here. Thanks to the FIGHTERS: - Eiko Reiko Ryuu, Masako, Kasumi, Motoshi, Yumiko, Tateyama, Miyata, Kei, Sekiya, Toshi and their families.

Return to top

5. 2007 COMBINED ACCESS CLASS WORLDS

The Inaugural Combined Access Class World Championships has been scheduled between Cork Week (Kingston, Ontario) and the IFDS Combined World Sailing Championships (Rochester, New York). Both of these events will include the SKUD 18 for the first time and are within a day's travel of Whitby.

Whitby Yacht Club has a 300 boat marina in a protected harbour and is about 40 km north-east of Toronto on Lake Ontario. There has been great enthusiasm within the club for hosting the event.

This regatta is the first opportunity where sailors of all abilities will compete in a World Championship regatta including all Access Classes.

isaf logoParticipating Classes
Access 2.3 International class
Access 303 Recognised class
Liberty Recognised class
SKUD18 Paralympic 2 person

 

whitbyWhitby Yacht Club

 

 

 

 


Return to top

fespic logo

6. 2006 FESPIC GAMES


fespic sailing logo

The FESPIC (Far East & South Pacific) Games are a Regional Games for athletes with a disability. This was the 9th and last FESPIC Games and will be succeeded by the Asian Paralympic Games. Sailing was included for the first time and was conducted by the Malaysian Yachting Association (MYA) on behalf of KL'06, in conjunction with the International Association for Disabled sailing (IFDS). Sailing was conducted from the Admiral Marina & Leisure Club at Port Dickson, two hours south of Kuala Lumpur where the majority of other sports are being contested.

racingEquipment was the International Access 2.3 and Access Liberty, (ISAF Recognised Class). Both are becoming increasingly popular within the Asian region and are very easy for new sailors to adapt to. The regatta is a supplied equipment event, with the Liberty fleet provided by the Access Dinghy Foundation thanks to the support of Maersk Lines and Maersk Logistics who transported the boats from Australia. The Access 2.3 fleet has been provided by the MYA and Sailability Singapore.

Following IPC's policy of encouraging more females into sport, four divisions were held - Male and Female in both 2.3 and Liberty. The overall winner being calculated by individual medal tally. The next Games will be held in Manila in 2011. Full individual results

racing registration desk singapore sailors

COMPETITOR REPORT - Cherrie Pinpin (PHI) - Liberty

The regatta can be summed up with too many exclamation marks (but with good reason) ...

Thrills! Excitement! Zigzagging between the milling colorful Access 2.3s and Liberties before the race! Scanning the skies for storm buildup! Makerel skies and mares tails! Noting down cloud patterns and current directon! Sometimes brilliant blue sky, hot sun! The imaginary smell of roasting flesh! Heatstroke potential!

cherriePalpable tension at start countdown! Hearing the race committee countdown echoing off the pin end boat radio! Shortness of breath as we get into position in the last minute! Trying not to collide with or get rammed by other boats jockying into optimal positions! Praying you don't start over the line and have to do a penalty!


Cherrie at FESPIC

Horrid starts from being in the wrong position at the wrong time! Agony! Desperate climb upwind to overtake the race leaders! Buckets of sweat! Chinese girl struggles to free her rudder tangled on a buoy! Yay! Fleet thinks it can finally get ahead for once! Wondering for the millionth time what secret engine propels the chinese girl's pink boat as she rockets ahead of the pack! Outrage! Everyone demanding to know if her boat has been weighed down like everyone else's! Of course, silly people! Still! Grrr!

Agonizingly slow races beating on near zero wind! Tension! Patience! Squabbling at the marks! Traffic jams at the marks! Yelling! Protests! Squinting into the sun, at the spinning wind indicator mounted on the mast tip! Searching for elusive wind! Coasting downwind in minimal wind, on current (and prayers)! Sails opened wing on wing! Heart in throat, sneaking past boats ahead! Heart pounds loudly as silent sailors maneuver with nerves taut in anxiety!

Just as we crawl painfully around the leeward mark, hit by sudden vicious squall! Libertys heel nearly into the sea! Surprise and then not as I slide to leeward in my seat! Wind! At last! Pelting rain! Hearts soar!

Adrenaline kicks in! Muscles bunch as we fight to maintain control while accelerating for the mark! Windward Chinese guy's Liberty fishtails as we run neck and neck! Trying to avoid getting smashed into! He can't see me! I can't yell at him in the wind! He struggles! I sit pretty! Having ridden thru a couple of squalls like this!

Thrill! The Libertys sing! This is what they like! Punching thru waves in lumpy seas! Peering thru the rain for the rapidly disappearing finish line buoy! Horizon disappearing in a grey wipeout! Is the Access 2.3s fleet safe? Crack of lightning! All boats must go home NOW! Race abandoned? But I must finish this! Finish buoy sighted! I'm thru! Now the mad dash for the marina! Delight! Regret! They won't allow another race in this wind! Rats!

Last 2 days
Brilliant starts at last! Off flying on clean wind, ahead of the pack exploding past the start line! Boats stealing your wind! You stealing their wind! People tacking in your way! Holding your port tack run until the last possible second before tacking before a yelling starboard tacking boat! Outwitting opponents with rules! Finetuning sails every second!

Last day race 1 has started! Mayhem in race commitee boat as mad scramble for the right signal flag to fly! Rolly closest to windward mark! Am running with the top 2 female race leaders in the best race of my life, when, race abandoned ! Heartbreak! Trauma! Shock! Angry race leaders! Enraged race leader coaches! Bewildered sailors crying out "why" to the circling jury boats! Windward mark drifting they said! Grumble! Alas! There went the Philippine individual gold for Rolly and the bronze (maybe) for me!

Egads! We dig in, lower our horns and do our best in the last 2 races! Race 2, am left in the dust, a horrible last place for the girls. Aieeee! Final race, managed to miraculously creep downwind again, neck and neck with Desiree of Singapore who's running 3rd. Alas, she smoothly pulls away at the final mark, killer competitive as always! Whistle blows as I pass the finish buoy, dragging my tail. Rolly comes in after me.

Four days of heart attack racing! Joy! Sorrow! Outrage! War! Hope!

Pool party time! Everyone dives into the Admiral marina pool where we're not allowed to be! Enemies on the water, pals ashore! Hooray! Dance of joy! It is done! See you all in the upcoming regattas!
- - - - -
Once I've recovered, I'm writing the reports about the on water battles.
TTFN!

IFDS TECHNICAL DELEGATE - PAULINE HARRISON
"This event has been highly successful at a number of levels. The FESPIC Games Sailing Competition has involved ten Asian countries, many of which are new to international competition. The sailors range from one past and a promising number of emerging Paralympians, to one who sailed on the sea for the first time here on the Strait of Malacca. All have gained from the experience. The rising standard of sailing reflected the growing support of their national sailing authorities. The venue at Port Dickson is magnificent. All the competitors have enjoyed themselves ashore and delivered some outstanding performances on the water. I sincerely hope that the high standards set in Port Dickson will, in the future, secure a place for Sailing in the Asian Paralympic Games."

NATIONAL MEDAL TALLY

Gold
Silver
Bronze
Singapore
2
1
1
Malaysia
1
1
1
China
1
Australia
1
2
Philippines
1
Cambodia
India
Japan
New Zealand
Vietnam

 

Return to top

 

7. AUSTRALIAN SPECIAL OLYMPICS SELECTION REGATTA

Special Olympics logo 3 lakes SC logo YACT logo sailability logo

The first Special Olympics National Regatta for sailors with intellectual disabilities has been hailed as an outstanding success. The two days of spirited competition attracted enthusiastic sailors from ACT, NSW and Queensland. The event was a joint initiative of Special Olympics Australia and the National Sailability Committee of Yachting Australia.

winnersSee results below, but special mention for outstanding performance goes to Allister Peek and Catharine Keir & Christine Elliott, winning six of six races.

Congratulations & well done all sailors

 

 

Photo - Belinda Hill QLD & Allister Peek ACT


Reports

Unified Sailor, Helen Cregan (NSW) - Fourth Division 4
My skipper, Alyse enjoyed the racing- her first time, and was very pleased with what we achieved- it was only our second time sailing together. There was a great sense of a achievement from both competitors and family/friends, with lots of excitement and applause when competitors returned to shore. The Scouts provided great support at the shore as the competitors finished, as it was beach launching and centreboards needed to be raised on return. I felt the whole regatta was well organised with Terry Peek, the Racing Director and co-ordinator, and we were lucky the weather changed from snow on the peaks.

nathanielNathanial Quan (NSW) - Third in Div 4
My dad asked me if I would like to go to Canberra for the sailing regatta. I sailed with Dobroyd almost two years just for fun. I've never been in a competition before. This is my first time racing and partnering with Patrick McMaster from ACT. I had no idea about the courses. I was excited but anxious because I've never met Patrick before. We had a good talk and he made feel me at ease. During the races I did almost all the steering by myself. I did my best and had fun. I wish I had more time for practice. I hope to get selected in the Australian team to compete in the world games in Shanghai next year. Everyone at the regatta was very friendly and the weather was just right for our sailing.

Results

DIVISION 1-Access 2.3 Single
racing1. (Level 5) Bronwyn Ibbotson (ACT)
2. (Level 5) Sonja Gilmore (QLD)
3. (Level 5) Shane Atkins (NSW)

DIVISION 2-Access 2.3 Double
1. (Level 2) Catharine Keir / Christine Elliott (ACT)
2. (Level 4) Sonja Gilmore / Belinda Hill (QLD)
3. (Level 4) Bronwyn Ibbotson / Allister Peek (ACT)

DIVISION 3-Access 303 Double
1. (Level 5) Allister Peek (ACT)
2. (Level 5) Belinda Hill (QLD)

DIVISION 4-Access 303 Double
1. (Level 1) Nicole Bartley / Tina Starr (QLD)
1. (Level 2) Stephen James / Michael Leydon (ACT)
2. (Level 2) Joel Bud / Allan Jones (NSW)
3. (Level 2) Nathaniel Quan / Pat McMaster (NSW)
1. (Level 3) Warren Hawkins/ Neville Perrett (QLD

Return to top

 

8. DOBROYD AQUATIC CLUB RISES FROM THE ASHES
Jackie Kay

crowd

sailability logoAfter a devastating fire destroyed the Dobroyd Aquatic Club at Five Dock in May 2005, the new DAC clubhouse was opened on Saturday, 18th November. Beautiful spring weather encouraged some 300 friends and supporters of DAC and Sailability to celebrate the official opening. Speakers included Angelo Tsirekas, Mayor of Canada Bay; Angela D'Amore State MP; DAC Club President, Peter Wrigley; Sailability President Wayne Teagle and DAC Patron Stan Burnicle.

DAC logoThrough the tireless efforts of the Building Committee, the new clubhouse is an outstanding example of Universal Design, with accessibility considering members who have mobility difficulties with ramps, internal elevator, two wheelchair accessible bathrooms as well as a new wider balcony that accommodates tables and chairs. The spectacular harbour views have not changed.

Eleven years ago, when DAC established strong links with the newly established Sailability Dobroyd, members of DAC brokered new ground in the world of sailing, with the inclusion and acceptance of people with disabilities. Saturday demonstrated that this strong and cohesive community is flourishing. While the clubhouse is just bricks and mortar, it is the focal point that brings everyone together in a unified force of kindred spirits.
after fire rebuilt

Return to top

 

9.SAILABILITY PHILIPPINESphlippines flagsailabiity logo
Cherrie Pinpin

The first meeting of disabled and volunteers got together at the Manila Yacht Club at 10am last Saturday, 29 July 2006. This was possible because Sailability Singapore kindly donated two Access Dinghies to start our program. Jerry Rollin presented the Sailability Philippines wish list for volunteers to take positions on the committee, some to take care of the administration part, others to assist in the boats or to help assist the disabled and other duties. Volunteers might also get a chance to crew in the bigger yachts once they pick up sailing skills, so everyone wins.

sailorsThe initial reason for needing to form Sailability Philippines quickly is to develop a pool of Filipino disabled sailors for international and local competitions. The FESPIC Games in Malaysia is happening in November 2006, followed by the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games, both of which are ISAF and IFDS-supported. The 2nd reason is of course to allow everyone to experience sailing, and help grow the sailing community.

After the meeting, we all went to the boat dock, to do 1-on-1 intro to sailing within calm MYC waters, using the Access 2.3 dinghies, a yellow and an orange boat with matching color sails. There were the 4 disabled folk who participated and a some interested volunteers, Eric Cadiz and I were the "instructors". Everyone had a great time!

Return to top

 

10. ESTABLISHING A COMMUNITY-CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPmaersk logo
Jackie Kay

Since 1998 Maersk Australia (then P&O Nedlloyd) has been sponsor of the Access Dinghy Foundation. By shipping containers of Access boats to accessible sailing clubs throughout the world, Maersk has been instrumental in the development of sailing programs for disadvantaged and disabled communities, enabling 100,000's to experience the freedom of sailing. Now, Maersk Australia and ADF have expanded and consolidated their association. Maersk personnel have been invited to volunteer with Sailability to experience first-hand the joys that sailing can give sailors with disabilities.

Initially the project will operate in Sydney, but will expand to other locations where Maersk have offices-Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

maersk volunteers….Amanda, the first Maersk volunteer

"On Sunday the 19th of November I volunteered for the Sailability program at Dobroyd, Five Dock for the first time. Having no clue about sailing and a touch of nervousness about interacting with underprivileged people, I was a little apprehensive about volunteering for such a program. I can honestly say that from the outset all my fears were put to rest by the huge welcome we received from the other volunteers. They showed us the ropes (literally) and put us to work rigging up boats, launching them and getting sailors into them.


Amanda and Wes ready to experience their first sail.

By volunteering, I was witness to a number of inspiring people and also humbled by the tenacity of the volunteers who strive to make Sailability a success. I took my family down and I encourage you to do the same - there is something for everyone to do even if you don't want to go near the water.

The huge grins on these sailor's faces and the independence they gain from being in a sail boat is possibly the highlight of their week. I encourage you to be a part of this worthwhile program and give something back to our community. "

Return to top


11. UPCOMING REGATTAS

2007
March 3-4
Victorian Access Championships
Royal Geelong Yacht Club
Gelong, Victria Australia

March 10-11
WA "Be Active" Access C'ships
Royal Perth Yacht Club
Perth, Australia

March 24-25
South Aust Sailability C'ships
Goolwa Yacht Club
Goolwa, South Australia, AUS

April 6-9
Australian & International C'ships
Sailability Adelaide Sailing Club
Adelaide, South Australia

May 26-28
USA Access Championships
BAADS
San Francisco, USA

June 29-Jul 1
French Access Championships
Club de Voile du parc de Saint Cyr
Poitiers, France

July 20-22
UK Access Championships
Rutland Sailing Club,
Edith Weston, Rutland

August 30-Sept 5
ISAF Combined Access Class World Championship
Whitby Yacht Club
Ontario CANADA

September 7-15
IFDS Disabled World Championship
Rochester Yacht Club
Rochester, New York USA

Return to top