Issue date
On 31 January Sailability Auckland followed in the wake of trendsetter Sailability Wellington and opened its new satellite branch at Whangaparaoa. With great support on the day from Rotary Whangaparaoa, the Halberg Foundation, Gulf Harbour Yacht Club and Fairway Bay Marina, and a light breeze rippling the sheltered waters by Hobbs Wharf, it was a great day for new and not so new sailors. The MP for Whangaparaoa, Mark Mitchell and his wife Peggy was on hand to launch two new Hansa 303 yachts. One sailor who had been traveling to Auckland has already discovered how convenient the location is! As well as the enclosed bay that is particularly suitable for beginner level sailors, the venue has a cafe and grassed areas suitable for a family day out with an elevated area above the water to watch the sailing from. Once the sailors have gained sufficient skills and confidence there will also be access to other sailing areas.
Following on from the official launch, a group of local children joined Peter Burling and Blair Tuke on the water on the 9th February in an event organized by the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation to promote the 52nd Halberg Awards that were held on 11th February. TV One had a great report on the news - If you missed it, view it here . Also attached is a great newspaper article that was in the local Whangaparaoa Paper.
Sailability Whangaparaoa will now be run out of the Fairway Bay Marina on Saturdays from 10 am, weather permitting.
For more information or bookings contact Tim Dempsey by email at sailabilityauckland@xtra.co.nz
