On Thursday, February 1, the Shepparton Sailability Club launched its 2024 season and showed off its new sailboats, thanks to donations from nine Lions clubs.
Lions members from Kyabram, Shepparton, Mooroopna, Tatura, Toolamba, Tallygaroopna, Dookie, Merrigum and Shepparton-Wanganui attended the launch.
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.
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.
To operate effectively, the club depends on the commitment and hard work of volunteers.
But they aren’t thrown in the deep end, with up-to-date training provided and maintained.
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.
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