Sailability Trust Newletter: July 2025

Kia orana,

With winter firmly entrenched it’s time to update you with the latest news from the Sailability Wellington Leadership Team.

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Starting With Some Great News

The finalists for the Wellington Regional Sports Awards have just been announced in the 'Post'. We’re delighted to report that Sailability Wellington has a finalist with Xervier Doney is shortlisted for "Sportsperson of the Year" and for "Disabled Sportsperson of the Year".  Xervier's achievements have been made possible because of the amazing support from his parents, Paul and Sabine, as well as the many hours of teaching and coaching from a number of our Support Crew.  Once more, Sailability Wellington Trust and our many supporters and friends have shown wonderful leadership. Well done!

The winners will be announced on 28 August at a prize-giving dinner at Wellington College. We'd be delighted to have as many of our Sailors, Support Crew, Benefactors and Friends in attendance on the night of the presentation.

Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.wellingtonsportsawards.co.nz/awards-night

If any of you wish to organise to be part of a table, then please email Don at ceo@sailabilitywgtn.nz

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On The International Front 

While there were initial thoughts of attending the World Sailing Inclusive Regatta in Oman in early December, our focus has now changed. The Australian Para Sailing Championships will be held on 27 - 30 November 2025, as part of Sail Melbourne. https://www.sailmelbourne.com.au/. There will also probably be a World Sailing IDP (Inclusion Development Program) beforehand. If anyone one is interested in attending, please contact the CEO. We are also looking to send one of the ParAble-Whakatauki’s over to showcase our new build.

On Which Note – An Update on Parable-Whakatauki

We currently have the two prototype hulls of at Seaview. In the next couple of weeks, we will be collecting a new mast from Auckland with an updated lighter design. 

We will trial this and once we are satisfied the aim whole first batch of six boats fully fitted out and delivered to us by the end of August.

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Back to the Nitty Gritty

MAINTENANCE of Hansa 303 Yachts

As usual we are using the winter break to give our hardworking Hansa 303’s some much needed TLC. To date we have we have carried out two days of work at Seaview with an estimated 3-4 more days needed to get the whole fleet all “ship shape and Bristol fashion”.  At Titahi Bay one very successful day means the work is almost done.

We are yet to start work on the boats at Evans Bay.

In addition to working on the boats there is a significant amount of work that needs to be carried out on the docks at all three of our bases

As always, we are looking for volunteers to carry out this vital work.

We currently have work scheduled at Seaview on Tuesday and Wednesday the 22^nd and will finalise Friday dates for Evans Bay soon. Please let the CEO know if you are able to assist. 

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Winter Training.

Anton Ojala,  our training officer has put together a program to help us develop our skills over the winter break.

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Thursday 24^th Sept 7pm: ‘Understanding Disability’. 

An informal session led by Don Manning with Q&A and a cuppa to follow. 

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Saturday 27th Sept: Coaching Training Course

Led by Warren Coffey a full day course based on Yachting NZ’s coaching course.

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Saturday 4^th October: Safety Boat Operation. 

A full day session led by Peter van Damm. We will have at least two boats to train with, and we really need more safety boat operators so please put your name forward to Anton if interested and able to attend. 

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All the courses are at Lowry Bay Yacht Club, Seaview. Please let Anton know on 022 473 5113, if you plan to attend any of the courses.

The hardy souls of the race squad will also continue competing in winter series sailing over the winter break.

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Kia manuia.

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Don, Anna, Brent and Anton 

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