Sailability

Sailing on Penrith Lakes Photograph with kind permission of Sailability, Penrith Lakes

Sailability began in Australia in 1991, and is a non-profit organisation dedicated to increasing sailing opportunities for everyone, regardless of age or ability. Sailability Australia now has branches in all states and caters for people with a wide range of disabilities and experience. Australian disabled sailors have competed both here and overseas in Hobie catamarans, Ynglings, 2.4mRs and Access dinghies. Sailability has support from state sporting authorities and works closely with a variety of disability organisations around Australia, ensuring that people with disabilities have the opportunity to sail in safety and experience adventures and freedom - building mobility, self confidence and pride through achievement.

Sailability Penrith Lakes was established in 2002 at the Sydney International Regatta Centre at Penrith, where the opportunity to make the Centre the focus of sailing for the disabled in the Greater West was a strong motivation. Eight years on, Sailability Penrith Lakes has around 100 members, either sailors or volunteers. There are 13 Access dinghies comprised of five 2.3's; two Access Breeze dinghies and six 303's. We also have two Walker Bay dinghies. We have our own shed, pontoon and wheelchair hoist, as well as in excess of 15 Yachting Australia qualified staff (YATC) at the Regatta Centre.

A Letter from Betty Grady
One of our U3A members, Betty Grady, has provided the following information. If you are interested in volunteering to help with this worthwhile enterprise, please contact her.

Volunteering is a very rewarding experience for all concerned. Sailability at the beautiful Penrith Lakes Regatta Centre is a volunteer run organisation which gives people with a variety of disabilities the pleasure and freedom of sailing.

No sailing experience? Does not matter! With the help of other volunteers you will be able to develop your skills at your own pace. The boats are simple and very safe. You will quickly learn how the boats are set up etc. and how to sail safely and confidently. Some volunteers prefer not to actually sail and provide valuable help on-shore.

At present, sailing days are Monday and Tuesday. Come along, have a look and a sail, become a volunteer and enjoy! Contact Betty Grady at bgrady@bigpond.com.au or 47513259 (only in evening).

Click on Sailability, Penrith Lakes to visit their website and learn more about the organisation.