Letter from Genevieve Wickham, Hansa Liberty sailor and Sailability WA Inc member.
"What an amazing weekend of sailing for me. I am mostly referring to the experience of the Mini Series Regatta 2017 and my inclusion.
I have invited my support person to assist me to express my gratitude to you all. As you are probably aware my communication as a result of a stroke in 2001 greatly restricts me from expressing myself.
Being invited to participate in the Mini Series 2017 at RPYC Dinghy Division was a very valued opportunity for me to compete in my Hansa Liberty on home waters. Over many years I have travelled to far away destinations to experience National and International regattas and last weekend such an opportunity was right here on the waters of Matilda Bay.
For many of my competitive sailing years The Ron Tough Foundation and personal sponsors have supported me to participate competitively while the Disability Service Commission (DSC) have allocated a small number of hours weekly to ensure that I am able to launch and retrieve my Liberty. My mother used to be my sailing support but age is creeping up on her.
The Co-Ordination of the regatta, the ever cool Kate and Goldie supported by a Team of Volunteers was a credit to all. From the start boat, finish boat, mark and support boats, Race Committee and canteen people a very professional event ensured.
Naturally, the Hansa division was my focus. Yes, more Hansa competitive sailors would be fantastic but let’s focus on what we have and developing and keeping them. One particular young Sailability participant comes to mind. Last year I hardly knew that he was one of us. This year he was helping me to leave the pontoon. How good was that? He went on to compete with the support of a Sailability volunteer who happens to be a committee member. Despite several problems with gear failure etc. and with much encouragement he completed the regatta watch closely by his mother on the Race Committee boat. What I noticed was a much more confident sailor engaging with his peers who was enjoying being part of the group. How do you measure this??
Also, how good was it that we attracted the 2016 World 303 Champion from Tasmania supported by his wife and son.
In my class of Liberty how awesome was it that our Sailability President won her first State Championship. Congratulations Tracy. Well done.
I was so happy that she was able to compete. It was always in doubt. I know that she has chronic pain and in fact this week is off to hospital for ongoing pain management.
How she can still manage a smile is beyond me.
Must mention too, that one of her mentors and Past President of Sailability was volunteering his yacht and time to spectators for this event and was present to witness this very memorable occasion.
My sincere thanks to each and every one of you for enabling me to experience a very memorable and absolutely awesome weekend of sailing"
Genevieve Wickham.
Last Modified on 09/02/2017 17:14