A new chapter in Sailability WA’s inclusive sailing programs will be celebrated with the official naming of Finding Freedom, a specially designed RS Venture Connect vessel that will open opportunities for people with disabilities, of all abilities to develop their sailing/racing skills and provide a better pathway for competing in inclusive sailing events at either a Club or National level.
The naming ceremony will bring together Sailability WA’s members, generous supporters, volunteers and key partners to celebrate the arrival of the vessel and the opportunities it will create for accessible sailing experiences.
“This vessel represents far more than a new addition to our fleet,” said Gary Griffiths, President of Sailability WA Inc. “It represents independence, confidence and the chance for more people in our Sailability community to experience inclusive sailing. Thanks to the generosity of our Finding Freedom 2024 Luncheon attendees and a Lotterywest grant of $36,000, we can continue to make our programs more inclusive and accessible.”
The RS Venture Connect was recently nominated as the two-person para class boat by World sailing in 2025, and we are hopeful it will become the next paralympic class boat nominated by world sailing and the international paralympic committee in the lead up to Brisbane 2032.
The ceremony will include the traditional naming and blessing of the vessel, followed by its first sail with two RS Venture Connect World Champions in attendance, Genevieve Wickham and Grant Alderson.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday 18 March 2026
Time: 1.00 – 1.30pm WST
Location: Royal Perth Yacht Club, 6 Australia II Drive, Crawley WA 6009
About the RS Venture Connect
The RS Venture Connect is an internationally recognised, purpose-built accessible sailing boat designed to enable sailors with disability or mobility limitations to safely participate in sailing, either independently or with support crew. With adaptive seating, stability features and assistive controls, the vessel ensures that sailing can be enjoyed by individuals who may otherwise face barriers to the sport.
Please RSVP if you would like to attend the naming ceremony on Wednesday 18 March 2026.
Media Contact:
Gary Griffiths
President
Sailability WA Inc
Phone: 0418 927 405
Email: President@sailabilitywa.org.au
Event Contacts:
Program Coordinator
Rachael Cox
Email: office@sailabilitywa.org.au
Phone: 0404 145 499
Workdays: Tuesday to Thursday
Administration Coordinator
Kyllie Whitehead
Email: admin@sailabilitywa.org.au
Workday: Friday
