ATLAS and Geraldton Yacht Club look to offer Sailability access to the Mid West

ATLAS and the Geraldton Yacht Club have joined forces in an effort to make sailing accessible for people with disabilities in Geraldton through the Sailabilty program. Sailability looks to offer supported sailing programs and build confidence and skills through active experience and offer the opportunity to get everyone out on the open water. Sailability programs are run out of Perth, Bunbury and Albany, but are not currently available locally or anywhere north of Perth. The program uses special purpose-built yachts which can fit two people, the skipper and the sailor allowing people with disabilities to feel the freedom and thrill of yachting. These boats have to be constructed over east and fundraising efforts are under way to raise the $40,000 required to purchase two purpose-built yachts, trailers and equipment. It is an entry-level initiative that will allow participation from people with disabilities of all ages and abilities with the plan for the Geraldton Yacht Club to house the boats and run the program. In return, participants will be encouraged to become members of the Geraldton Yacht Club and participate in club activities and functions. Geraldton Yacht Club Commodore John Gummery was looking forward to being able to bring the program to Geraldton. “We are very excited to be able to bring this sailing opportunity to Geraldton for people with disabilities,” he said. “Partnering with ATLAS, the leisure and sports specialists provides all the experience and capabilities we need to provide this unique and wonderful program.“ ATLAS CEO Zane D’Mello thanked the yacht club for their willingness to come on board and said it would open up new opportunities for people with disabilities in the region. “We are very excited about the possibility to include all people from our community in ocean activities,” he said. “We all take for granted our ability to do this but for some, there is a need to assist this. “Our mission is access and inclusion for people with disabilities and with the support of the Geraldton Yacht Club we can create this opportunity.” Both ATLAS and the yacht club are actively seeking much-needed funds from private businesses, service clubs and applying for grants in order to facilitate the program. Providing they can secure the funds, they plan to launch the program in October, with training manuals for volunteers being developed. Those wishing to donate funds towards the program can contact ATLAS on 9956 2180 or those wishing to be volunteers can contact the Geraldton Yacht Club on 9964 1644.