South Australian veterans have been given the opportunity to take to the high seas thanks to an innovative program offered by the Invictus Pathways Program and the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia (CYCSA) aimed at developing sailing skills while building confidence and social connections.

With the support of Senator David Fawcett and Invictus, as well as major sponsor Northrop Grumman Australia and supporting sponsors Raytheon Australia and SAAB Australia, the program named Setting a New Course offers current and former serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel with little to no sailing experience the opportunity to undertake a five day accredited Royal Yachting Association (RYA) sailing program.

Premier of South Australia Steven Marshall officially launched the program at a breakfast event in September 2019 at the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia.

The inaugural program commenced in September 2019, with five participants undertaking a two-day Start Yachting component, followed by a three day live aboard component incorporating sailing in the Gulf St Vincent and visiting several safe harbours around Adelaide and Yorke Peninsular. On completion of the course, participants received the qualification of Competent Crew, which enabled them to not only crew in a yacht but also work as a team to respond to unplanned events and make a safe passage home.

A second course ran later than anticipated due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic but came to a successful completion in October 2020 which now has seen ten veterans participate. Due to resounding positive feedback from participants, courses are planned to continue into the future.

“This program offers an exceptional opportunity for veterans to challenge themselves, learn a new skill and experience the satisfaction and connection that comes from working as a team – it’s the one thing that many former defence personnel miss when they leave service”, says Invictus Pathways Program Coordinator Mark Reidy.

“The CYCSA is very proud to be associated with this fantastic program. Senator David Fawcett,  CYCSA Marine Academy Principal David Royle, along with the essential assistance of three outstanding sponsors have created, through use of one of our most popular courses an initiative which will assist participants in a very worthwhile and positive impacting manner”, Adam Hays, General Manager of the CYCSA said. 

All participants for the course are current or former members of the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force who have faced challenges with physical and mental health due to their service.
 

For more information: https://www.unisa.edu.au/connect/Community-Engagement/invictus/

Words by Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia