What a great day for the Manly Sailability Volunteers family, friends & Sponsors Sailing & BBQ morning. The weather was cloudy with a very gentle breeze.
Volunteers arrived early, gear out and boats rigged and in the water by 9.00am. SDC Warwick held a briefing, welcoming volunteers, families and those Sponsors who were able to attend – Sarah Grattan (NB Council), Michael Regan (Member for Wakehurst). Special mention to the family members of the late Helen Hendry – Bronwyn, Peter & Jeremy for attending. This was a special morning as this was the day our new Hansa 303 – HELEN HENDRY – was christened by Bronwyn with a bottle of champagne poured over the bow. Warwick also had a quick swig in honour of Helen and then the boat was launched into the water. Then Warwick (skipper) Bronwyn (crew) in HELEN HENDRY followed by our six Hansa 303s.
Skippers were Denis, Michael B, John W, John P, Helene & Sophie & the crew were, Eli, Ivon, Clare, Peter (Hendry clan), Ros & Jeremy (Hendry clan) sailed over to & completed a sail past the home of the late Helen Hendry.
David W as C.C. skipper with Ken (photographer) & crew Corey, Marg also joined the sail past.
Bronwyn, Jeremy & Peter were given a sail around Manly Cove while other boats returned to the pontoon, Various skippers took family & friends sailing. Sarah Grattan (NB Council) was taken by Clare.
David W. & Jennie did a great job as Skippers on the rescue boat (Charlies Chariot) – keeping a close eye on all the 303s while they were sailing & giving family members a ride around Manly Cove.
Corey as usual did a great job on the radio, advising skippers when to return to the pontoon so the others waiting could go for a sail.
John P & John W took many people & family members for a good sail around Manly Cove. Also Michael B, Skye, Peter B, Helene Clare & other skippers joined in with giving people a sail.
Our disabled participant Gracie, who always comes to Sailability, was also taken for a sail. She just loves sailing.
Hard working volunteers – Steven F., Michael B. Michael M., Marc & others did an excellent job on the pontoon all morning.
Sorry that some people had left before the BBQ was in action (empty gas bottle). Many thanks to Sophie’s dad who came to the rescue & drove to pick up a full bottle of gas.
Then Cate and Julie took over the BBQ cooking sausages & onions. What a great job. Everybody then was able to have a snack.
Everybody pitched in and all gear was packed away.
Many thanks to all who attended and helped make this morning a success.
