A large Australian contingent of 66 competitors and volunteers is finalising arrangements to compete in the Hansa Class World & International Championships, Hiroshima, Japan, from 12-18 October.  22 countries will be competing, involving some 180 sailors plus a number of volunteers, including carers. The Aussies are very hopeful of scoring a swag of medals.

Most of the Australians are members of one of the 75 Sailability programs in Australia, which has had a long association with the universal-design Hansa, with a shared philosophy that anyone can enjoy sailing no matter what their ability.  40 out of the 66 in the Australian contingent are competitors. Age of competitors ranges from 13 to 93. The largest Aussie cohort is from NSW with some 15 sailors. Here are just some of the competitors:

A very special combination is Jason Elwes from Sailability Port Stephens (NSW), sailing 303 doubles with Wayne Crabb from SA. (Jason also in Liberty singles). Jason is in the Australian Para Sailing Squad. Also from SA is veteran Hansa competitor Bob Schahinger in a Liberty Single.  Colin and Brad Alderton, famous father and son duo from Sailability Port Stephens (NSW) are sailing 303 doubles.

Sailability Dobroyd (NSW) is strongly represented with five competitors including visually impaired Sarah Plunkett, sailing 303 Doubles with Australian Hansa Class Association, President, John Sanderson; Nathaniel Quan is sailing 303 Doubles with Margy Sanderson, President of Dobroyd, Nathan has previously competed in the Special Olympics.  

From down Shoalhaven way NSW, a very special group, representing Sailability Shoalhaven and Vincentia High School Special Needs Unit: Thomas will compete in 303 Singles; Ryan is a 303 doubles sailor (and juggler) with VHS staffer Jon McGowan. Jade (only 13 years old), is sailing 303 doubles with Hayley Millsom, experienced sailor and volunteer, just returned from the USA as a sailing instructor at summer camp.

Still in NSW, Allan Jones OAM, Sailability Crystal Bay, sailing 2.3 singles, is the old man of the sea, a true gentleman of the sport. Also from SCB, accomplished sailor and medallist Alyse Saxby is sailing doubles with Japanese sailor Rie Ariyoshi, Special Olympics friend. Inspirational national and international competitor Ame Barnbrook is sailing a Liberty single.

The next big group is from Victoria, with 17 people going and 13 sailors. Amongst them: Alison Weatherly from Ballarat Yacht Club and Sailability Geelong, Victorian Hansa Class Womens Champion, sailing in a 303 single;  Stuart Cathie (Sailability Albury/Wodonga) – Sailor of the Year with a Disability, competing in a 303 single; Charles Weatherly (Ballarat) – Australian Liberty Champion, in a Liberty; Craig and Sarah Millsom  (Latrobe Valley) – Victorian Doubles Champions, sailing in 303 doubles.

From Melbourne, Christine Elliott is competing with Stephen Griffiths in a 303 double (both Australian Doubles Champions); Former AHCA president Russell Phillips, with his wife Shauna, are each competing in the Liberty Singles. All four from Docklands Yacht Club.

Representing Queensland are Neil Rowsthorn and Peter Armstrong. Neil is a volunteer member of Sailability Gold Coast.  Neil and Peter are sailing in the Hansa 303 Doubles.  Neil introduced Peter to Sailability, is also a volunteer and supports Neil in his SKUD 18 program.

Tasmania’s Edward (Ted) Moule from Derwent Sailing Squadron (Hobart) is competing at the impressive age of 93 in a 303 single. Chris Symonds from Sailability/Wynyard Yacht club, winner of the 2016 Hansa Worlds, is sailing again in a 303 single and Rob Eadie, also from the Apple Isle is competing in a Liberty single.

Over in WA, Robert Crofts is training hard at Sailability/RPYC. He has just competed in the Para Worlds in a 303 and is competing at the Worlds in a Liberty. From ACT, veteran Hansa and Special Olympics sailor Allister Peek is competing in a 2.3 single.

Picture shows 2018 Worlds competitor, Alison Weatherly, competing in the 2012 Hansa Worlds, staged by Middle Harbour Yacht Club, Sydney.

Issued for Hansa Class Association by Graeme Adam, PR, Sailability Australia