This turned out to be one of those beautiful sailing days you wish they were all like. After a stormy start, the weather settled down to a sunny day with breezes just strong enough to make it exciting, making for a fast change between participants.
Brian was a most efficient Sailing Coordinator, with Wilma as Regstrar, Sheila the life-jacket lady, Ray keeping time and using the radio, helpers up on deck Corey, Tony, Denis and Michael.
On the pontoon, Col was in charge, with helpers John P, Marc and Steve.
Support Boat staff were John W, Corey, Peter, Jim, Warwick. Photos by Warwick.
Sailors Ivan, Peter, David W and David G, Jim, Rob, John B, Helene and Steve kept the sailing moving along, giving all of our participants a wonderful time. I think we only saw smiley faces today.
Craig from Royal Far West brought down 3 students; Nathan, Jessica and Bailey, while Pauline came in with Peter for a fun sail. Nathan had the most wonderful hair do, and kept us all amused with his comments from the boat.
We were treated to 5 students from Arranounbai. What a delight these children are to sail with. Those who are too small or floppy to sit up, get to go with a helper. What a joy for Michael, Eddie and Kit. Jatin, Evie and Wenbin were supremely confident, sitting upright in the sailing boat as well as the Support Boat, Last to sail were Gigi and Jonah, and all had a wonderful time. The best of all was when Michael ‘took over’ the controls of the Support Boat in some still water, helped on all sides. Pauline went off for a sail with Peter, then Ben arrived with helper Kel. We will remember to put him in on port next time, as this is going to be easier for him to control the boat.
Jimmy, John, Shane and Kath from St Ives arrived next, some electing to sail, while the Suport Boat was more appealing to others.
Last of all, Peter, Millie, Gary and Anna came down from French’s Forest and enjoyed their sailing. Thanks so much for the carers’ work today, as their help, alongside our volunteers makes everything go more smoothly. We appreciate Craig from RFW, Steph and Megan from Arranounbai, Aran, Sean, Colin from St Ives, and Mark and Monica from French’s Forest. It was good to see that Monica managed to get out for a sail as well as her charges.
A special thanks to 2 Victoria Sailability Members, who were going for a ride on the ferry as part of their holiday when they came across a bunch of 303,s and decided to walk around to see what we were up to. Thanks for dropping in on us.
