Who we are:
Sailability Bayside is an all-volunteer organisation and part of Sailability World Inc in affiliation with Sailability Australia and Sailability Queensland. Sailability Bayside commenced in June 2003 with three borrowed dinghies that were launched on an old trailer at the boat ramp sited at the now Darling Point Sailing Squadron. We are entirely self funded, relying on our own fund rai
sing, donations from clients, grants from government sources, and donations from business and community service organizations. What we do:
Sailability Bayside provides a sailing opportunity for people with all types and levels of disability in order to bring pleasure, encourage development and provide a broader life experience. Our clients come from various Disability Service Organisations or as private individuals, and they are normally accompanied by a carer who has responsibility for their welfare ashore. We operate 15 Access 303 sailing dinghies and a 7.4m Payne yacht named ‘Faith’, all of which have been designed specifically for the disabled and have great stability. Sailing Days:
Sailing days are Monday and Thursday of the state school term and excluding public holidays. Bookings are essential and are required at the start of each school term. Please contact the registrars at [email protected] to make bookings. Weather conditions may cause cancellation of the day’s sailing. A call to mobile phone number 0401994271 after 7am each sailing day will confirm that sailing operations are being conducted or have been cancelled. Sailing commences at about 9.00 am and continues until about 2pm. Venue:
Darling Point Sailing Squadron premises, 22 Trafalgar Street, Manly. (next to the Coastguard)
Volunteers:
People of all ages and backgrounds volunteer with Sailability Bayside many are of post retirement age though we also have younger stay at home people with school age children. Our active volunteers number around 90 persons at this time and come from a wide variety of backgrounds that gel into an energetic, harmonious, reliable group. Around 30 volunteers are required to operate a sailing day for an average of 80 clients, who are collectively from around 22 disability service organisations, state special schools, the PA Hospital Spinal Injuries Unit or are private individuals. Volunteering with Sailability Bayside requires you to be eligible for the Government “Blue Card”, though there is no cost to a volunteer in gaining this card. Our volunteers are a friendly happy bunch who will guide you into a suitable role even if you have no previous experience with either disabilities or sailing. A willingness to help others is the prime requisite. Should you wish to secure more information, our President Geoff, can be contacted during office hours on 0432 152 310.
