We officially named our RS Venture Connect Training Vessel on Wednesday 18 March, Finding Freedom at the launch and sail with our International Sailing Champion Genevieve Wickham and her sailing buddy Grant Alderson. A massive thanks to Lotterywest and the generous support of our Finding Freedom luncheon supporters and donors for helping make this possible. The vessel is now ready for competitive sailing training.
The WA Hansa State Championships, held over 7–8 February 2026 as part of the RPYC Mini Series, delivered an exciting weekend of racing on Melville Waters despite hot temperatures and light, shifting winds. Hosted by RPYC and supported by Sailability WA volunteers, the event featured strong participation across Hansa Liberty and Hansa 303 fleets, including interstate and international sailors. Six competitive races were completed, with an additional “just for fun” race added on Sunday in fresh conditions. Congratulations to all competitors, particularly Sailability WA Member Division Winners Sarah Liddiard and Liz Syed (Hansa 303 double), whose names will be added to the WA Hansa Class perpetual trophies.
We continue to work with the Safety on Swan group regarding the proposed Matilda Bay Ferry Terminal and are now working with the Group to have a formal risk assessment undertaken to provide to the Department of Transport. I encourage all our Committee, Volunteers and Members to have your say by completing the Waterway use and Risk Survey, included below, by COB Monday 13 April 2026.
With warmest regards,
Gary Griffiths | President | Sailability WA
Hansa State Championships 2026
The WA Hansa State Championships, held on 7–8 February 2026 as part of the RPYC Mini Series, brought together a strong fleet of Hansa sailors for a competitive and enjoyable weekend on Melville Waters. Six races were sailed in hot, light, and shifting conditions, with an extra race added for keen competitors. Sailors from local clubs and overseas participated, showcasing great sportsmanship, with Sarah Liddiard and Liz Syed taking top honours.
Read Rachael Cox’s full report here: WA HANSA State Champs @ RPYC Mini Series – Sailability WA
Rod and Archie braved Central Victoria!
Photo courtesy Archie Sell
With wet weather gear and jerry cans, Rod Angwin and Archie Sell braved increased fuel costs (driving across the Nullabor) and Central Victoria’s weather to compete in the Hansa Liberty singles in Ballarat at the 2026 Hansa Nationals that took place from 1 to 7 April on Lake Wendouree. Ballarat is Victoria’s second oldest inland lake club, with the event featuring Hansa 2.3, 303 singles/doubles, and Liberty classes, with championship racing along with social events over the Easter long weekend.
Genevieve is off to Travemünde, Germany!
The RS Venture Connect European Championship will take place from 18–21 July 2026 in Travemünde, Germany, as part of the RS Games, a global sailing festival held every four years. Hosted within the renowned Travemünder Woche, the event will feature an international and competitive fleet alongside a vibrant regatta atmosphere. Open to sailors worldwide, it promises both high-level racing and social engagement.
Preparations are already underway, with Grant planning two training visits to Perth with Genevieve ahead of the championship. We wish you all the best for the event!
Nat Keals takes ‘Lorelle’ on the open waters!
Photo courtesy Nat Keals
Nat Keals recently took Hansa 303 ‘Lorelle’ to the Mandurah Offshore Fishing and Sailing Club regatta over the Easter weekend, where ‘Lorelle’ enjoyed a salt bath and successful outing on the water. Despite challenging conditions, including 1.5m swells and strong winds, the boat performed admirably. The trip doubled as a holiday adventure, with appreciation extended to Sailability WA and RPYC for their support. The effort was rewarded with an impressive second place in the consistency results, marking a memorable and enjoyable experience. Congratulations Nat!
Matilda Bay – Waterway Use and Risk Survey
We continue to collaborate with Safety on Swan and the Matilda Bay User Groups to have an independent Risk Assessment undertaken to submit to the Western Australian Government in support of our ongoing efforts to seek the Government’s reconsideration of the location of the proposed Ferry Terminal. We are seeking your support to complete the Waterway Use and Risk Survey for Members, Volunteers and Committee. The survey link is available here: Waterway Use and Risk Survey – Club Members. Please complete the survey by COB Monday 13 April 2026. Thank you to Graham White for your ongoing commitment on this matter.
Mental Wellbeing Quiz
Want to take steps to improve your Mental Wellbeing? This Mental Wellbeing Quiz gives an instant insight into how you’re going and provides some simple steps to keep building better mental health. There are no right or wrong answers – take the quiz today and check in on yourself: Mental Wellbeing Quiz – Act Belong Commit.
#HealthwayWA, @ActBelongCommit, #ActBelongCommit, #creatingahealthierWAtogether
Stay on Your Feet to Improve Your Health
Stay On Your Feet® is WA’s leading falls prevention program, providing information and strategies for older adults, their friends and family and health professionals to prevent slips, trips and falls.
The Stay On Your Feet® Improve Your Health campaign encourages older adults to prevent falls and support healthy ageing by checking medicines, keeping a healthy mind and fuelling your body. Falls are preventable.
Visit stayonyourfeet.com.au to learn more about how to prevent slips, trips and falls.
| Summer season (October to May) hours of operation Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9am to 3pm, by phone or email. Sailability WA Inc PO Box 5 NEDLANDS WA 6909 www.sailabilitywa.org.au | 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 |
Located on the banks of the Derbal Yerrigan, Sailability WA is hosted at Royal Perth Yacht Club,
Australia II Drive, Crawley WA 6009.
