Sailability Manly

Sailability Manly "Freedom on the water, regardless of ability"

Our principal aim is to facilitate sailing for people with disabilities, on what is acknowledged as one of the most spectacular waterways in the world. We sail from Manly Yacht Club, East Esplanade, Manly, and use the expanses of Manly Cove and North Harbour, part of magnificent Sydney Harbour.

Wednesday, 20 May, 2026. Sailing ReportA delightful WSW breeze met us as we arrived for Sailability on Wednesday 20 May ...
20/05/2026

Wednesday, 20 May, 2026. Sailing Report
A delightful WSW breeze met us as we arrived for Sailability on Wednesday 20 May 2026. With 15 participants due to arrive we set up 5 boats with Jeremy, Michael, Denis, Guy, Brian and John taking turns to get out for a sail with the ever reliable Malcolm on the pontoon and Warwick at the wheel of Charlie\'s Chariot with Peter and Jenny taking on the photographer\'s duties whilst Corey controlled the day from behind the radio. Grace arrived first, and without any other appointments got to take a long sail with Guy as Jeremy took Adam out when he arrived a short time later. Ivan arrived for a sail as well as Matthew, Elizabeth, David, Rodney and Hanlon. Kristy came down for a sail bringing little Bella her dog who joined her out on the water as a passenger on Charlie\'s Chariot. Elliot and Dylan also arrived to get out on to the water.
The day ended with quite a stiff breeze - enough to blow one of the Keel Caddies off the wharf and into the ocean - Warwick in Charlie\'s Chariot to the rescue.

Saturday, 16 May, 2026. End of Season RegattaThe End of Season Regatta marked the conclusion of another successful saili...
18/05/2026

Saturday, 16 May, 2026. End of Season Regatta
The End of Season Regatta marked the conclusion of another successful sailing season. The event brought together six crews on a sunny day, though the breeze proved to be fickle, peaking at a south-easterly of around 4 knots.
Following a briefing from Bruce Davis, six boats launched and lined up for the start of the first race. The commencement was delayed, with sailors waiting for any sign of wind. Once underway, the fleet split into two distinct groups. Denis and Nola, sailing Woody, established an early lead, trailed by Jackie and Caroline in Helen Hendry, and Skye and Guy in Eli D. Michael and Ros in Ralph Newman finished ahead of Helene and Robert in Alex Martin. Unfortunately, Warwick and Grant in Black Swan experienced steering difficulties and were unable to finish.
With a slight increase in wind and a shortened course, the second race was much tighter. Woody, Ralph Newman and Eli D vied for the lead, eventually finishing in that order. They were followed by Helen Hendry and Alex Martin. The wind continued to be unpredictable, with puffs favouring one side of the course and near calm in the middle.
The final race featured a further shortened course and more variable winds, providing a challenge for all sailors. Ralph Newman made an excellent start, tacking into a favourable breeze to pull ahead of the fleet and finish in front of Woody, Eli D, Alex Martin, and Helen Hendry.
Denis and Nola emerged as the overall winners of the regatta. Michael and Ros secured second place, while Syke and Guy finished third. Jackie and Caroline took fourth, with Helene and Robert placing fifth.
Despite the challenging conditions, the regatta proved to be an enjoyable day for all participants. The races were professionally managed by Bruce and Pam, with John and Peter lending support on Charlies Chariot and Ken capturing moments as the event\'s paparazzi. Clare and Jeremy\'s sausage sandwiches, paired with fruit and cake courtesy of Nola, were much appreciated following the morning\'s racing. After lunch, prizes were awarded to the regatta winners.
Congratulations to everyone who took part and contributed to making the End of Season Regatta such a fun-filled success.

Photos from the Volunteer LunchPhotos from the Volunteer Lunch.
18/05/2026

Photos from the Volunteer Lunch
Photos from the Volunteer Lunch.

06/05/2026

Wednesday, 6 May, 2026. Sailing Report
A fine autumn morning with gentle SW breeze. Sailing participants arrived from Sunnyfield - Northside, Alliance and a few individuals.
The teams on the deck, pontoon, rescue boat and the skippers all worked well together.
It was very nice to see so many volunteers swapping various duties throughout the morning.
Thanks to everyone for an excellent sailing day.

Saturday, 2 May, 2026. Sailing ReportThe morning started of a bit grey, with no breeze and only a few volunteers, but we...
02/05/2026

Saturday, 2 May, 2026. Sailing Report
The morning started of a bit grey, with no breeze and only a few volunteers, but we also had only a few participants booked to sail.
Great teamwork was obtained from the volunteers and we achieved to have 4 boats rigged and ready to sail by 9.00am.
New volunteer Gary Campbell joined in rigging, etc. and was introduced to sailing.
By 9.30am a breeze came and pushed our boats around Manly Cove. Also, more volunteers turned up which made light work for all.
First participant as usual was Gracie, followed by Will and five from Luz, All Abilities and then last was Bradley.
Skippers were Peter B., Skye F., Guy E., Helene F., Michael B and Vince B.
Warwick and Ken followed by Peter manned the rescue boat, and Gary, Robert, Cate, Caroline and Denis completed deck and pontoon duties.
Yes, the morning turned out sunny and a good breeze for sailing, with all boats packed away by 12.15pm.
Many thanks to the volunteers.

Tuesday, 28 April, 2026. Sailing ReportThis morning’s forecast was for a beautiful, fine & sunny morning, with light win...
28/04/2026

Tuesday, 28 April, 2026. Sailing Report
This morning’s forecast was for a beautiful, fine & sunny morning, with light winds. Unfortunately the wind strength turned out to be somewhat disappointing. It commenced as a very light Southerly wind, fortunately building after a while to a useful breeze for the sailors, & then going calm again.
Despite that, everyone on the sailing boats returned with big smiles.
We rigged & launched 5 Hansa 303’s (2 person dinghies). With participants numbers down a little for the day, those who sailed had much more time on the water than usual.
Skippers for today were: John, Denis, Michael, Jackie, Skye & David. Warwick & Ken again operated the es**rt boat, Charlie’s Chariot. Corey undertook his usual efficient role of radio operator & boat scheduler. Malcolm, Peter & Nola were kept busy on the pontoon.
We had a surprise visit of 2 members of Airlie Beach QLD Sailability. They are friends of Skye & they managed to experience Manly Cove from Charlie’s Chariot.
A positive morning was experienced by all.

Wednesday, 22 April, 2026. Sailing ReportThe morning started cloudy with light winds. A sudden downpour at 9.30am dampen...
22/04/2026

Wednesday, 22 April, 2026. Sailing Report
The morning started cloudy with light winds. A sudden downpour at 9.30am dampened us all, but the sun soon came out again. Later in the morning the wind picked up a little, but its direction made returning to the pontoon a challenge.
Gracie and Tom were the first participants, their prompt arrival meant they missed the rain.
Elizabeth and Ivan arrived next and survived the rain without getting too wet.
As the sun came out Adam arrived, closely followed by James, Kyle and Eddie from Catholic Care, and another three participants from Sunnyfield, Ginny, David and Ian.
Hanlin was the last arrival and sailed with Michael.
With a finish close on 11.30am, as the rain appeared to put off a few of the participants, the 18 volunteers did a great job and had us all packed up by just after 12noon.

Saturday, 18 April, 2026. Sailing ReportToday was a wonderful day to be out on the water. Manly Cove was peaceful and ba...
19/04/2026

Saturday, 18 April, 2026. Sailing Report
Today was a wonderful day to be out on the water. Manly Cove was peaceful and bathed in sunshine, making for a thoroughly enjoyable morning out on the harbour. The wind, while pleasingly present, had a playful streak, and its fluky nature kept a few of our sailors on their toes.
It was lovely to see so many of our regular sailors out today, with enthusiasm and smiles all round making for a truly warm atmosphere. The day ran like a well-oiled machine, starting off at a gentle pace with our volunteers soaking up the sunshine before springing into action as groups from CPA and Luz All Abilities arrived.
A special mention goes to Caroline F, who spent part of the morning out on the water learning to helm Charlie\'s Chariot with Warwick - and did a great job! We also welcomed new volunteer Bailey, working towards his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, who handled everything the day threw at him beautifully - sailing, pontoon, de-rigging and safety boat duties included.
Many thanks to all our volunteers who helped out today!

Wednesday, 8 April, 2026. Sailing ReportIt was a beautiful sunny day on the water today but very light winds which start...
08/04/2026

Wednesday, 8 April, 2026. Sailing Report
It was a beautiful sunny day on the water today but very light winds which started out with virtually no breeze, increasing slightly as the morning progressed but never really got above 6-8kts from ESE so a bit of paddling and a bit of towing were required.
But it was a busy day sailing with 29 participants so we were fortunate to have 16 volunteers who all worked like a well-oiled machine in getting boats rigged and unrigged and in and out of the water as well as having to lift a number of participants from/into wheelchairs. We put all eight 303’s in the water to handle the numbers.
Participants were from Catholic Care, Northside, Care Culture, All Abilities and Sunnyfield.

Monday, 30 March, 2026. PhotosPhotos from Sailing on Monday 30th March, 2026.
30/03/2026

Monday, 30 March, 2026. Photos
Photos from Sailing on Monday 30th March, 2026.

Address

East Esplanade
Manly, NSW
2095

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