This regatta was held over the 2024 Easter weekend for sailors with disabilities. The aim of this event is to support diversity and inclusiveness in sailing. In addition to the Hansa Class NSW Championships and the 2,4mR NSW Championship, this regatta held the first ever NSW Para Sailing Championships.
Sailors came from all over Australia and New Zealand to compete.
Gareth is a very active volunteer of Middle Harbour Sailability and his sailing trajectory is a fantastic example of what can be achieved.
Gareth first learned to sail in 2009 after moving from England to Sydney. He crewed on an Adams 10 yacht which raced in the Middle Harbour Yacht Club’s Saturday series. An accident in 2014 left him reliant on a wheelchair and crutches. In 2015 his recreational therapist suggested he continue his passion of sailing and he joined Sailability Middle Harbour. He was able to sail independently again! Initially he was hoisted in and out of the boat, but by 2018 he had recovered sufficiently to walk independently.
It was then that he ‘switched sides’ and joined the team of volunteers as a skipper. Now Gareth takes people out sailing. He is very popular with our sailors many of whom request that Gareth take them out! For those who show an interest in learning to sail, Gareth’s calm instruction has proved most effective and for others his gentle nature makes their sailing experience so enjoyable.
In 2021 he was an entrant in the National Hansa Championships in Canberra, followed by the Nationals in Adelaide the following year. In the 2024 Middle Harbour Yacht Club’s Inclusive Classes Regatta he finished 5th place and was awarded ‘Most Improved Sailor’.
Next year he aims to compete in the Hansa Class Association’s World and International Championships to be held at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club on Pittwater.
