Sailing Away

Published 23 November 2010, Posted in Northland

The Sailability programme was a huge hit with about 40 disabled youngsters earlier this year and is coming back early next year.

A preview of the programme is being held on International Day of Disabled People, Friday 3 December between 11am and 1pm at the Town Basin and anyone with an interest is invited to pay a visit.

“Many disabled people have never had that sensational feeling of sailing across the water under the power of the wind,” said WDC Sector Liaison Officer Kim Silvey.

The aim of the day is to attract disabled people who may be interested in making sailing a life interest. “At the Town Basin next week we will have special, very stable, virtually unsinkable sailing dinghies beside the courtesy dock which is central and easy to access. People can look over the boats, think things over, ask questions and talk to us about taking part in February.

We will take a few people for a quick sail too, if they are keen. “In February we will have a hoist and experienced instructors. People with widely ranging physical ability, including really limited ability, will be able to get into the dinghies, take control and go for a sail. The sailing equipment as been heavily modified to ensure everyone can have a go. It is brilliant fun, and the new sailors will be unstoppable once they give it a try.”

The Sailability events have been brought to Whangarei in conjunction with Yachting New Zealand, Sailability Auckland, the Whangarei Cruising Club, Tiaho Trust, Parafed, Rotary, the Halberg Trust and Whangarei District Council.

One person who will be keen to have another go at sailing on the day is Dargaville’s Ming Ming Edgar.

Ming Ming is 20 years old and arrived in New Zealand at seven years old after being adopted from an orphanage in China. He is totally blind but this has never stopped him from participating in any activity that comes along. About four summers ago he had his first contact with Sailibility on a ‘Have a Go Day’. He enjoyed it so much that he and his family travel regularly from Dargaville to Auckland to attend Sailability events there. Ming Ming sails either alone with walkie talkie communication, following whistle signals or with a sighted partner in his boat or in the rescue boat nearby.

The enjoyment of sailing and the pleasure of learning new skills remains four years on. “Ming Ming told me Sailability welcomed him with open arms and continues to nurture him. Sailing will always be a part of his life,” said Kim.