A SPECIAL day of fishing and fun on the water took place on Friday, March 28, as Newhaven Yacht Squadron and Sailability Victoria joined forces for their all-ability fishing event. One of three special programs on the Newhaven Yacht Squadron/Sailability agenda, the first Sailability event took place back in May 2014. The program, which is run with support from GippSport, has since evolved into a wonderous day with Club members volunteering their boats and time.
Friday morning saw Interchange Gippsland hit the water and whilst some of the visitors opted for a tour around the island taking in Rhyll, a few lucky anglers caught themselves lunch, with Luke, Shane and Byron hooking a snapper on Captain Brian’s boat and Georgia catching her first ever fish onboard Captain Rob’s boat.
“It was caught out the front,” Captain Brian explained, “100 metres from the ramp.”
Captain Frank alongside guests Mark, Jessie and Eddie took a beautiful tour of Phillip Island on the calm water and sun shining day.
“They loved it, had seals pop up near the boat, it’s just a great day,” one avid member smiled.
Russell Trait led the event, with support from Alen Garrett, a dedicated advocate who has been instrumental in the program’s success for many years. Peter Smith from the Newhaven Yacht Squadron also played a key role in coordinating the event, ensuring everything ran smoothly for participants and volunteers alike.
Around 30 participants from Yooralla and Interchange took part in the event, which was filled with smiles, teamwork, and the joy of being on the water.
Bass Coast Shire Deputy Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead, attended the event and joined participants on the water in the afternoon.
“It was an absolute joy to see the excitement and enthusiasm of everyone involved,” Mayor Halstead reflected.
“The dedication of the volunteers and the welcoming atmosphere truly highlight the importance of inclusive programs like Sailability. It’s wonderful to witness firsthand how these opportunities enrich lives and bring our community together.
“The smiles on the faces of participants is so rewarding.”
The program is one of two active programs, and three in total that Newhaven Yacht Squadron/Sailability have underway. The second is a school-based learning-to-sail program.
“To see the development of the kids, some barely able to get in the boat initially and by the end, they are the first in the yacht,” Alen explained.
“The (school) program is run every two weeks at high tide during the first and fourth terms. It is tide dependent.”
Newhaven Primary School and Bass Coast Specialist School are part of the current program with approximately eight children involved.
The four special Hansa dinghies, made possible through grants, are specially designed little yachts that allow total novices of any ability the opportunity to sail.
Whilst watching the larger boats come back to shore, Alen noted to the Sentinel-Times the timing of the 2025 Hansa World Championships in Sydney (March 23 to 30), hopeful that the lessons the avid young sailors are receiving may one day take them to an international level.
The final program for Newhaven Yacht Squadron/Sailability is similar to a mentorship program, that will allow people with disability the opportunity to use the resources and guidance of a volunteer member to help them go sailing.
“The kids really blossom when sailing,” Alen concluded.
