INTEGRATED DISABLED SAILING
REACH OUT TO THOSE WHO COULD BENEFIT FROM THE FREEDOM
RPAYC EVENTS
The Integrated disAbled Sailing ( IdS ) program provides financial and volunteer support to integrate sailors with disabilities into the Club ’ s regular sailing program and provides support for Sailability Crystal Bay which is based out of the Club ’ s Crystal Bay hard stand .
The intent of IdS was to partner with other organisations that reach out to those who could benefit from the freedom and associated health benefits that sailing offers as well as extending financial assistance to associated causes . This year that has included Soldier On , Invictus Games and Attitude Foundation .
SOLDIER ON VETERANS SAILING PROGRAM @ RPAYC 2017
The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club ’ s partnership with Solider On continues to provide important support to Australia ’ s ex-service men and women . The program aims to aid the veterans reintegration and helps them on their road to recovery from the mental and physical wounds received during their service to Australia . The Club is very fortunate to be in a position to help these fantastic men and women through its sailing and family days .
This year , the Club has been working very closely with Soldier On to provide five sailing days and three family days . The reintegration officers at Soldier On are critical to the programs success , and this year saw Nathan Vardanega finish up at Soldier On after three fantastic years . The RPAYC would like to thank Nathan for his commitment to the veterans sailing programs and we wish him all the best in the future . Nikola Turnbull who has taken over the reigns from Nathan , has made a fantastic start with the Club ’ s veterans sailing program , and we welcome her on board and look forward to working with Nikola long into the successful future of the Soldier On veterans sailing programs .
The Soldier On sailing days aim to give participants a taste of what sailing is all about . Participants also have the opportunity to take their sailing beyond a one off experience . If the participants are keen to continue sailing more often , the Club integrates them into the Adult Keelboat program , a nationally recognised program paid for through the generosity of the IdS fund .
RPAYC Head Coach , Tom Spithill is delighted to be part of this program with Solider On , and has been impressed with how quickly the participants get the hang of sailing , “ These guys love the water and a challenge . We ’ ve been out in some strong stuff and they just take it all on ! I feel very privileged to make their lives a little better through sailing .”
The Soldier On family days give veterans an opportunity to have a fun , stress free day out on Pittwater with their immediate family and support network . The Club takes the participants to a beach on the Western Foreshore in Pittwater for a picnic . The participants have the choice of sailing down on our fun ( but wet ) fleet of Hobie Waves , the Club ’ s Race Committee cruiser or a member ’ s boat if it is available . Impromptu races on the Hobie Waves are normally held at the beach . This year saw a particularly special family day as RPAYC Head Coach , Tom Spithill recounts “ These days create a great atmosphere for veterans , their families and friends to spend time together and the day must have been enjoyable as one of our veterans dropped the knee on Portuguese beach and she said yes !”
The veterans sailing programs are another aspect of the RPAYC that make it the special Club that it is . These programs would not be possible without the support and generosity of members . If you are interested in getting involved , please get in touch with the Sailing Office . As Tom comments , “ These days are not just rewarding for the veterans and their friends and families but also the volunteers and members come away from the day with big smiles as well .”
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