Issue date
Last Sunday, 30 March, saw a keen group of disabled children and youths having a bit of a go at Sailing. For this group it was a first opportunity to venture out on the water on a yacht.
The day was a joint effort between Halberg Disability Sport Foundation and local Yachting NZ representative Graeme Wall assisted by local Club member Murray Grimwood.
Murray Grimwood on the Hobie Wave with Finn Casey & Connor Fa’asega
Despite the wind on the day favouring rowers rather than yachties the team of potential disabled sailors all had a taste of the water and got to experience what many of us take for granted.
An Access 2.3 sailing dinghy, an Optimist and a Hobie Wave were used to give a sailing experience for the group.
The disabilities ranged from total deafness through to Cerabral Palsy with quite a few being wheelchair users.
Riley Bell with his Mum, Rowena, enjoying being on the water
The light airs on the day gave the opportunity for some to go sailing by themselves in the Access 2.3 and the Optimist. For some just getting on to a RIB for a spin was a huge experience, including the parents who certainly engaged in an act of faith when they saw their child departing the shore.
It is planned to hold another day like this in term 4 of this year where it will be hoped to get a few more disabled sailors into the sport of Sailing.
Connor Fa’asega, 10years old sailing the Access 2.3 by himself. Connor has Cerabral Palsy but he certainly wasn’t let that hold him back from taking command of the yacht.
