Sailability 'Freedom on Water' Newsletter
Winter Edn, July 2004
Sailability Orange was renamed Central West last year as an increasing
number of participants came from an expanding geographical area, this
now encompasses Bathurst, Blayney, Cowra, Orange and Young. We usually
meet on the last Sunday of each month between September and April at
Carcoar Dam Sailing Club; a dedicated and enthusiastic team of
volunteers is always busy on shore or on the water. These sailing days
are great social occasions too, with many members and their
families/friends staying the whole day. We also have a school sailing
program which runs during terms one and four; 80 students from four
schools are involved, the majority of whom are youth at risk or youth
with a disability. Carcoar Dam Sailing Club has been wonderful with its
support and willingness to assist this branch, and both organizations
complement and benefit each other in many ways; for example, the SC
shares the use and insurance of our storage shed and recovery boat,
plus we assist in each other’s fundraising bbq's.
It is also great to see the integration of sailors when our members
compete in the weekend Club races. Central West had small beginnings
about three years ago with just one Access 2.3 launching from the dam
foreshores with a handful of volunteers and participants. As the need
for more equipment and infrastructure arose, much fundraising became
necessary. Local businesses, individuals, social clubs and community
organizations have been approached for various projects, and through
their generosity we have been able to finance new Access dinghies,
PFDs, pontoon and hoist, a reliable recovery boat, and storage shed.
Government grants are the hardest to get, and we’ve applied for
many, however, this year we’ve been successful with a Capital
Assistance Grant to build a ramp into the clubhouse and wheelchair
accessible unisex amenities block; plus funding from the Volunteers
Small Equipment Grant for a Quickshade marquee and shore shuttle.
One particular aspect of Sailability, which is always inspiring, are
the wonderful stories, smiles and happy tears of those involved;
Sailability has touched the hearts of many, and its success lies in the
physical and emotional experiences that sailing fosters. I believe that
whenever one is doing something connected with Access dinghies or
Sailability, one is somehow linked to a ‘higher source’;
this energy is so pure it is no surprise that the Sailability network
is growing worldwide!
