SAILABILITY volunteers were more than pleased after a “familiarisation day” at their new sailing venue in Nelligen on January 14.
Batemans Bay Sailability president Peter Glen said that after 16 years of sailing from the beach in Old Punt Road in the Bay, the impending construction of the new bridge had called for a search for a new place to sail.
“Nelligen ticked all our boxes, and on Sunday it came up trumps,” Peter said.
“It was the only place we could find that was suitable for people with a disability, with a ramp and pontoon, good parking, shady Manchurian figs, toilets, and even a coffee shop.”
Peter said that after enjoying a barbecue lunch cooked up by Life Without Barriers, Sailability volunteers launched two sailing dinghies and a safety boat for a trial run.
“The verdict from our sailors was very positive,” he said.
“We managed launching and retrieving the boats very well, and we noted that the tidal flows on the Clyde at Nelligen are not as severe as those near the bridge in the Bay.
“Our sailors also noted the beautiful scenery, and that there is plenty of sailing room on the southern side of the bridge.”
Peter said that all Sailability members had high hopes that by the time the new bridge was completed, the club’s new jetty and pontoon in Wray Street would also be ready to use.
“The project has been ongoing for some time, and we are getting closer to being in a position to apply for funding,” he said.
“In the meantime, we will make the most of our sailing days at Nelligen.”
Peter welcomed people of all ages and abilities to the sailing day this Sunday, January 20, from the foreshore next to the boat ramp at Nelligen.
“We will be sailing from about 10.30am to 3pm, and you only have to bring a hat, and five dollars; we’ve got the sunscreen. Anyone interested in volunteering should come along and see what we do.”
Batemans Bay Sailability president Peter Glen said that after 16 years of sailing from the beach in Old Punt Road in the Bay, the impending construction of the new bridge had called for a search for a new place to sail.
“Nelligen ticked all our boxes, and on Sunday it came up trumps,” Peter said.
“It was the only place we could find that was suitable for people with a disability, with a ramp and pontoon, good parking, shady Manchurian figs, toilets, and even a coffee shop.”
Peter said that after enjoying a barbecue lunch cooked up by Life Without Barriers, Sailability volunteers launched two sailing dinghies and a safety boat for a trial run.
“The verdict from our sailors was very positive,” he said.
“We managed launching and retrieving the boats very well, and we noted that the tidal flows on the Clyde at Nelligen are not as severe as those near the bridge in the Bay.
“Our sailors also noted the beautiful scenery, and that there is plenty of sailing room on the southern side of the bridge.”
Peter said that all Sailability members had high hopes that by the time the new bridge was completed, the club’s new jetty and pontoon in Wray Street would also be ready to use.
“The project has been ongoing for some time, and we are getting closer to being in a position to apply for funding,” he said.
“In the meantime, we will make the most of our sailing days at Nelligen.”
Peter welcomed people of all ages and abilities to the sailing day this Sunday, January 20, from the foreshore next to the boat ramp at Nelligen.
“We will be sailing from about 10.30am to 3pm, and you only have to bring a hat, and five dollars; we’ve got the sunscreen. Anyone interested in volunteering should come along and see what we do.”