News
How She Sails: Sarah
Published Wed 13 May 2020
How long have you been in the sport of Sailing?25 years
What Club, Association or company are you involved with?
Australian Paralympic Sailing, Manly Yacht Club
What Part do you play in our sport?
Sailor; Race Official; Club Volunteer; on water volunteer; Parent
Tell us how you first got involved with Sailing.
I grew up on the South coast of the uk, learning to sail in Toppers, Wayfarers and lasers. Family members owned a small yacht and would take us out for day sails around Weymouth. My occupation as a physiotherapist then lead me into training as a classifier for Paralympic sailing and then on to be the physio for the Aus Paralympic Sailing Team.
There are many pathways in sailing, where has your journey taken you?
I worked as the physiotherapist for the Australian Paralympic Sailing Team for 8 years, travelling nationally and overseas to World Cup events and the 2012 and 2016 Paralympic Games. I am also an International Classifier for sailors with disabilities.
My son and daughter now sail Open Bics and my son races with Manly Yacht Club.
Whatever part of sailing you belong to, tell us about what you enjoy about your sport?
I have always loved the ocean and being able to harness the free energy of the wind. Sailing is such a dynamic sport and no two days or two races are ever the same. Sailing is a unique sport as athletes with a vast range of disabilities can compete together. The image of wheelchairs, crutches and prosthetic limbs being left on the dock while the sailor experiences the freedom and exhilaration on the water, is always a powerful one.
What would you say to someone thinking about getting into sailing?
Sailing truly is a sport for life and there are so many options to find the area of the sport that you love. Elite racing is not for everyone but you can find a club that has a supportive, fun program for learning to sail as a child or adult. My kids have learnt with Manly Sailing, whose emphasis is always on enjoyment while learning the essential skills needed to helm or crew.
Tell us your favourite story ….
Last year our kids took a year out from 'proper' school and we sailed over 4000nm on our catamaran across the South Pacific, visiting Lord Howe, New Zealand, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia. We experienced storms, heavy seas and situations well outside my comfort zone, but along the way we met incredible local island communities, remote villages and beautiful wildlife. The cruising community is so supportive and we have made lifelong friends along the way.
Last year our kids took a year out from 'proper' school and we sailed over 4000nm on our catamaran across the South Pacific, visiting Lord Howe, New Zealand, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia. We experienced storms, heavy seas and situations well outside my comfort zone, but along the way we met incredible local island communities, remote villages and beautiful wildlife. The cruising community is so supportive and we have made lifelong friends along the way.
"I have always loved the ocean and being able to harness the free energy of the wind" |
