“Give it a go” day

Have you been looking for a way to get into sailing? Yachting New Zealand and Sailability Auckland present a FREE opportunity for anybody, regardless of ability or disability, to get involved in this exciting sport. Come prepared for the weather, you may need splash-proof shoes and jacket, everything else including a life jacket will be provided for you!

This “give it a go” day is on Saturday October 15th 10:00- 2:00 at Auckland’s Saint Mary’s Bay, Westhaven Marina. The day is free and requires no booking

This event coincides with Auckland’s push play promotion, where novice sailors of any age, with/without a disability, can ask questions and view the boats. One of the most basic questions is answered straight away.

Yes the sailing programmes are suitable for almost anyone regardless of the level of their disability or sailing skills.  A hoist is readily available to lift the so called “wheelchair bound” sailor for a cruise on the ocean waves and customised seating is considered a natural part of disabled sailor’s equipment. This type of seating is often characterised by a high back seat with plenty of cushions.

Sailability has a positive kind of philosophy based on what you can do and its goal is to get everyone sailing solo as soon as possible, in a safe environment and in virtually unsinkable boats. Two of the safety features are that each boat has a weight centre board and the sails can be rigged to decrease the sail area which makes it a less powerful vessel to control. Because of the strong safety measures the sailor does not need to be a swimmer. A life jacket is deemed the only extra safety equipment necessary. However when the boats are on the water a safety boat is never far away.

For those who are, initially, a bit less adventurous there is the simulator housed at the Otara spinal unit. The simulator option is an ideal way to be introduced to the workings of a boat as it gives the novice sailor a high level of competence on the basics, very quickly, on dry land. There is also an instructor standing right beside you who gives you confidence to try things out.

Whichever ways best for you sailing is an exciting activity to get into; an activity that can easily turn into a sport if the desire is there. There are also improvements happening all the time for disabled sailors. For instance there is a sip and puff system overseas that operates by a two straw system that steers the boat in the direction you want by sipping to go left and puffing to go right. When the sails need to go in and out all you need to do is inhale or exhale and the task is done.

Sailing is truly an activity for all disabilities. So why not give it ago

For more information please contact:
Kristine Lederis- Yachting New Zealand
Sailors with a Disability Support & Development Officer
kristine@yachtingnz.org.nz or Phone: 021 871 301

Tim Dempsey- Sailability Auckland
Sailing Coordinator
sailabilityauckland@xtra.co.nz
Phone: (09) 834 0557 Mobile: 027 484 4716