Sailing
By Wendy Evans
Sailing will always give me that wonderful feeling of being free, out of my wheelchair and doing things nature’s way.
It all started on a sunny day, February 1997. Dad dropped me off at Belmont 16ft Sailing Club. A few weeks prior, I had seen a notice for a “Come ‘n’ Try Day” with Sailability and thought I would like to see what this is all about, little did I realize that it would open up an exciting world for me. I was lifted into a single-seated, 2.3metre long sailing boat, given a few instructions and pushed off from the shore. I was free. When I got home I was so excited about telling Mum and Dad that I had actually been sailing all by myself. They supported me in every way they could, taking me to regattas. Dad made a special seat so I could sit up properly and comfortably, later adding a Velcro belt after I fell overboard. These little boats are uncapsizable but can tip to the side and that’s when I overbalanced. I was rescued and ask if I wanted to go straight back out, Silly Question!
In my 18 years of sailing, I have competed in over 40 Regattas, at local, State, National, International and World Levels. I have numerous trophies and medals, including Equal 3rd in France where I sailed on Lake Geneva. Mum accompanied me to this wonderful venue, along with the Australian team.
There have been so many great experiences.
One particular day I knew there were dolphins in the lake where I was sailing. It was quite windy, all other sailors had gone in, I was heeling over when all of a sudden; a dolphin popped beside me and swam along with me for around 5 to 10 seconds. If I could have been able to put my right hand out, I would have touched it. I was overwhelmed with excitement.
I have sailed bigger boats solo that were adapted so the sails were made electric. They are called Liberties.
In a world event I raced at Port Phillip Bay in a Liberty, the race was called off due to rough conditions, however I was allowed to go out for a quick practice. The experience was out of this world, with the waves splashing in my face like someone was throwing buckets of water over me. I had no time to feel scared as I was safely strapped into the boat. It was far better than any amusement park ride I have ever been on. The best part was that I was in control on my own.
I love sailing so much that I have even written a song about it “In a little boat”. I would encourage anyone living with a disability to try sailing as even after all these years it still gives me a buzz to be out on the water. Whether it is calm or challenging, sailing will always be something I look forward to doing.
By Wendy Evans
Sailing will always give me that wonderful feeling of being free, out of my wheelchair and doing things nature’s way.
It all started on a sunny day, February 1997. Dad dropped me off at Belmont 16ft Sailing Club. A few weeks prior, I had seen a notice for a “Come ‘n’ Try Day” with Sailability and thought I would like to see what this is all about, little did I realize that it would open up an exciting world for me. I was lifted into a single-seated, 2.3metre long sailing boat, given a few instructions and pushed off from the shore. I was free. When I got home I was so excited about telling Mum and Dad that I had actually been sailing all by myself. They supported me in every way they could, taking me to regattas. Dad made a special seat so I could sit up properly and comfortably, later adding a Velcro belt after I fell overboard. These little boats are uncapsizable but can tip to the side and that’s when I overbalanced. I was rescued and ask if I wanted to go straight back out, Silly Question!
In my 18 years of sailing, I have competed in over 40 Regattas, at local, State, National, International and World Levels. I have numerous trophies and medals, including Equal 3rd in France where I sailed on Lake Geneva. Mum accompanied me to this wonderful venue, along with the Australian team.
There have been so many great experiences.
One particular day I knew there were dolphins in the lake where I was sailing. It was quite windy, all other sailors had gone in, I was heeling over when all of a sudden; a dolphin popped beside me and swam along with me for around 5 to 10 seconds. If I could have been able to put my right hand out, I would have touched it. I was overwhelmed with excitement.
I have sailed bigger boats solo that were adapted so the sails were made electric. They are called Liberties.
In a world event I raced at Port Phillip Bay in a Liberty, the race was called off due to rough conditions, however I was allowed to go out for a quick practice. The experience was out of this world, with the waves splashing in my face like someone was throwing buckets of water over me. I had no time to feel scared as I was safely strapped into the boat. It was far better than any amusement park ride I have ever been on. The best part was that I was in control on my own.
I love sailing so much that I have even written a song about it “In a little boat”. I would encourage anyone living with a disability to try sailing as even after all these years it still gives me a buzz to be out on the water. Whether it is calm or challenging, sailing will always be something I look forward to doing.
