The Shepparton Sailability Club has launched its 2024 program after nothing but smooth sailing for the past 12 years.
President and club founder Roy Hill said it had been a thriving community service.
“We make our sailors feel welcome, fit them with life jackets and make sure they’re safe,” he said.
“It’s an opportunity to enjoy some fresh air and have a pleasant experience.”
The program involves the sailors going out with a skipper for a half-hour yacht ride around Victoria Lake.
What sets this sailing club apart is its ability to accommodate people with disabilities, diverse cultural and Indigenous communities, and those facing financial and social challenges, as well as providing services to schools, clubs and individuals.
To operate effectively, the club depends on the commitment and hard work of volunteers.
Loretta Gawne has been volunteering with the club since it began in 2012 and loves seeing how much joy sailing brings people.
“The lake’s a beautiful place to sail,” she said.
“It’s always good to see their reaction and how happy they are when they come back.”
The yachts used are keelboats, with a heavily weighted section in the middle.
This means they don’t tip over and are specially designed to be able to take people with different disabilities.
“They don’t capsize, they’re very safe, and the lake is a great place to sail on,” Ms Gawne said.
Robyn Mitchell retired in 2016 and has volunteered with the club since then.
“(After retiring) I thought I’d like to do some voluntary things, and this seemed to be something I’d like to do,” she said.
“Some (sailors) are very hesitant to go out, but if we really encourage them, they come back with a big beaming face. That’s what I find rewarding — that they really enjoy it.”
Ms Mitchell said the club catered to anyone wanting to enjoy sailing.
“We have a sling and hoist for people who can’t get in and out of the boat. We can hoist them in and hoist them back out,” Ms Mitchell said.
Kathryn Jennings, who enjoyed sailing prior to volunteering with the Sailability club, now finds joy in witnessing the sailors’ reactions after their time on the lake.
“I’ve always liked sailing. I’ve done a little bit of it,” she said.
“I love seeing the (sailors’) reactions; sometimes they’re pretty unexpected. They even surprise the carers, which is really lovely.”
Volunteers aren’t thrown in the deep end, with up-to-date training provided and maintained.
You don’t have to know how to sail to volunteer with the club.
The Sailability club sets sail every Tuesday and Thursday during Victorian school terms one and four from 8am to 3pm.
To volunteer, get in contact with Roy on 0438 570 549 or royhill2@bigpond.com