With the sun on our skin, fair winds and a flowing river, we’ve been off to a busy second half of the season as we completed our 2024/2025 Learn to Sail program during the January school holidays.
February saw the Hansa State Championships being held at RPYC, as part of the RPYC Refined Edge Mini Series. The Japanese delegation in attendance, indicated they would look to bring three of their sailors with disabilities to the next WA State Championships – we look forward to having some international participants, next time! Now we’ve got competitors heading to Sydney for the 2025 Hansa Worlds and wish them all the best!
There are a few Social Sailing Sunday events coming up for the remainder of the season so register now to join us and spread the word to your friends!
We were lucky enough to have a Local Matters jar at Grill’d Applecross during February and we thank those who were able to get across, enjoy a burger and help us with our February Fundraiser. I hope you enjoy this edition of Finding Freedom!
With warmest regards,
Gary Griffiths | President | Sailability WA
2025 Hansa State Champions!
Photo credit: RPYC
The 2025 WA HANSA State Championships were held on 8 & 9 February 2025 as part of the RPYC Refined Edge Mini Series. We had a fleet of 7 Hansa Libertys and 4 Hansa 303’s taking part in the event, with sailors coming from around the state including RFBYC and PRSC (Albany).
Congratulations Genevieve Wickham & George Elms – 1st, Kylie Forth & Fi McCabe/Kiara Parkinson – 2nd and Archie Sell & Liz Syed – 3rd in the Hansa 303 doubles. Placings were awarded to Rachael Cox – 2nd and Suzette Evans – 3rd in the Hansa Liberty classes. Read Rachael Cox’s full write up here and check out the fun they had via the Photo Gallery.
Learn to Sail Program (Part 2)
Our second learn to sail program, facilitated at RPYC took place from 27th to 31st January 2025, during the school holiday for 3 x participants, supported by volunteers.
We thank WADSA for providing the grant funding to enable us to offer this program.
Some of our sailors put their skills to the test in the HANSA State Championships, proving what a great opportunity this program has been. Due to a grant from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, we will be able to offer a Learn to Sail program again, during the 2025/2026 Summer sailing season. Keep an eye out for details in our September 2025 newsletter.
A Volunteer Training Program is coming!
Due to being awarded a grant from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries we will be offering a Volunteer Training Program in readiness for the 2025/2026 summer sailing season. Our volunteers will be able to upskill across a variety of proposed courses in first aid (including CPR), dinghy instructor, safety boat handling, short range radio operator’s certificate of proficiency (SROCP) and obtaining a recreational skipper’s ticket.
Applications will open mid year to prepare for next season.
2025 Hansa Worlds – Good Luck Sailors!
Photo credit RPAYC
With over 200 sailors and race officials from around the globe due to converge onto Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in Newport (Sydney), our Sailability WA Members Rachael Cox & Rod Angwin (Liberty class) and Genevieve Wickham & Mia Lovelady (Hansa 303 double) are heading to the 2025 Hansa World Championships taking place from 24th to 30th March.
They’re in training now, getting ready to set sail! We wish you all the best, hope you have an amazing week and look forward to hearing the results!
Social Sailing Sundays
If you would like to increase your sailing skills in a Hansa Dinghy or want to try out sailing a Hansa 303 with volunteer support, come and join us.
Members can attend for free. For non-members it is $25 per participant (support workers attend for free).
Make sure to register here.
WADSA Xperiences
WADSA has a number of NDIS funded XPERIENCES available throughout the year including Virtual Ventures – experience the thrill of gaming and virtual reality; Outdoor Adventures of hiking, biking and exploring; West Coast Eagles meet the players and improve your footy skills; do a Tasting Trail in Margaret River and Viva Perth Vegas – enjoy Beauty & the Beast at Crown, music shows, dancing and more!
Visit the WADSA website for further information and booking.
Remaining Sailing for 2024/2025 Summer Sailing Season
Our mid-week supported sailing activities continue each week through to Wednesday 23rd April and Thursday 24th April 2025, weather permitting. Social Sailing Sundays will be taking place on 9 March, 23 March, 13 April with Down Syndrome WA and 27 April 2025.
