The new Sailability facility now open at the Canberra Yacht Club (CYC), Lotus Bay, Lake Burley Griffin will encourage more locals of all abilities to get into sailing in Canberra.

Sailability is a program at the Canberra Yacht Club offering an additional level of support, an established network of volunteers, and equipment to assist people of all abilities to get into sailing. It is an international program that became part of the CYC in 2017.

Picture shows from left, Steve Hart, General Manager Canberra Yacht Club, Senator Zed Seselja,Terry Weber, Chair of the Board of the National Capital Authority which funded the jetty, and Sue Hart, Commodore, Canberra Yacht Club.

Senator for the ACT and Assistant Minister for Treasury and Finance, Zed Seselja said he was honoured to be able to join the Canberra Yacht Club and participants of the Sailability program to official open the facility.

“The Australian Government is happy to have provided the new purpose built jetty, which alongside the recently built shelter, will enable the sailors and boats to be recovered in greater safety, and allows for the program to continue its growth and success,” Senator Seselja said.

Chair of the National Capital Authority Terry Weber said the new facility is estimated to be used by up to 50 people per week for a range of activities during the warmer months.

“The National Capital Authority is pleased to have been able to work in partnership with the Canberra Yacht Club to provide a jetty to enable people with a disability to utilise boats on Lake Burley Griffin,” Mr Weber said.

Commodore of the CYC Sue Hart said the facility is dedicated to the late Matthew Owen, the CEO of the Canberra Yacht Club, for his passionate and successful advancement of inclusive sailing in the ACT.

“The completion of the jetty marks the end of a three-year transition with Sailability ACT merging with the CYC. Sailability is an inclusive Sailing program, giving ‘freedom on the water, regardless of ability’. Specially adapted equipment allows those who would not normally be able to participate in the sport the ability to do so in a safe and supportive environment,” Mrs Hart said.

Canberra Yacht Club Sailability Special Olympics Gold Medallist and Sailability ACT sailor, Allister Peek, said: “When I’m on the big boats, everyone tells me what to do, but when I’m on these little boats, I’m in charge, and I make the decisions.”

The Canberra Yacht Club offers Sailability, an international program to assist people of all abilities to get into sailing by providing an additional level of support, an established network of volunteers, and resources to assist participants. Equipment is provided to assist those with limited mobility to get into and out of boats, with modified docking areas that are accessible and affordable options to participate. Different types of boats are provided including the Hansa Class that are easy to sail. 

For more information on the Canberra Yacht Club’s Sailability program visit canberrayc.com

Words: Graeme Adam, PR, Sailability Australia

graemeadam1@bigpond.com (0423) 741 681