Sailing is set to grow in the Solomon Islands with the recently delivered 10 new Tackers Boats. Australian Sailing with the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through PacificAus Sports and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) delivered 10 new Tackers boats on the 21st June 2023. These boats will enable the newly established Solomon Island Sailing Association to expand their capabilities and opportunities to introduce juniors and youth into the sport of sailing.

Through the successful application by Australian Sailing to DFAT through their PacificAus Sports Grants program Australian Sailing is working with the Solomon Islands Sailing Association to increase capacity, capability and equipment to ultimately grow sailing in the Solomon Islands. The provision of equipment is a key part of the initiative that also involves training and mentoring for Solomon Islands Sailing Instructors, Coaches and Officials as well as coaching opportunities for the Solomon Islands Sailing team ahead of the 2023 Pacific Games. The 2023 Pacific Games will be hosted and delivered by the Solomon Islands between the 19th November and the 2nd December 2023.

Blessing of the Boats before handing over to the Solomon Islands Sailing Association

Ben Callard, Australian Sailing National General Manager-Club Support remarked; “Australian Sailing believes it has a strong responsibility to assist our Pacific Island neighbours and sees the benefits sport plays in developing strong relationships in the Pacific. Our support of our Pacific Neighbours has been boosted significantly through our strong partnership with the Australian Defence Force and DFAT and we are thankful for this.”

The current program of support will continue to be delivered through to the end of 2023. With previous initiatives supporting the Fiji Yachting Association and the Cook Islands Sailing Association and with the Brisbane 2032 Olympics approaching as the home Games for Oceania, Australian Sailing is looking for opportunities to continue and expand our opportunities to get “More People on the Water, In More Ways, More Often”.

Representatives from Australian Sailing, Solomon Islands Sailing Association and the
ADF on the tarmac at Honiara International Airport

This is in addition to the 6 lasers donated by Australian Clubs and Members and provided to the Solomon Islands in June 2022 in partnership with Australian Sailing and the Australian Defence Force.

On behalf of Australian Sailing “I would sincerely like to thank Warrant Officer Nick Rees and his team, Wing Commander Sean Ahern and the Australian Defence Force for the support and assistance in transporting sailing vessels to the Solomon Islands. These vessels will play a crucial role in building the developing sport of sailing in the Solomon Islands and assist the Solomon Islands Sailing Association to commence learn to sail activities for junior and youth participants” says Ben Callard.

Donated Lasers being sailed in the Solomon Islands

Australian Sailing would like to thank and acknowledge the support of the Australian Government through PacificAus Sports.

Related articles:

Donated Lasers provide new opportunities for the Solomon Islands

https://www.sailing.org.au/news/donated-lasers-provide-new-opportunities-for-the-solomon-islands/