About Us

Mission Statement

Sailability NSW will facilitate participation in sailing and boat usage at social, recreational and competitive levels on inland, estuary and ocean water, for people with disabilities regardless of age and level of disability.

How We Started

Our History

Sailability in NSW first appeared as Sailability Gosford, formed in April 1995 using yachts sailed on Brisbane Waters. The foundation members of the first club included Denis Critchley, John Woodward, Ruth Miller and Phil Vardy. Sailability also becomes a member of NSW Sports Council for the Disabled.

In December 1995

Sailability NSW was formally incorporated. Sailability Dobroyd was formed using Access Dinghies and was the first Sydney branch. The committee members included: Neil Anderson, Paul Tayler, Jackie Kay and Wayne Teagle.

In April 1996

At the first AGM held at Gosford, it was decided to centralise the committee of Sailability NSW in Sydney and a new committee was elected. This committee included Neil Anderson, Paul Tayler, Jackie Kay, Wayne Teagle, Allan Jones, Denis Critchley, Lyn Phillips and Clea Wallace.

Inspiring Stories

Nava's Story - First Quadriplegic Person to Sail Alone

Nava's story, originally aired on the Australian television program "A Current Affair", of Nava George. Nava is the first quadriplegic person to sail alone. With some training, and a special boat, Nava is able to explore a newly found freedom, sailing by herself.

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Ame Barnbrook - Member of the Australian Paralympics Sailing Team

Amethyst Barnbrook was born on the 4th of July 1988. She came into this world with no arms or hands and only half of one leg with three toes.

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Liesl Tesch Patron of Sailability NSW

Liesl Tesch, AM (born 17 May 1969) is an Australian wheelchair basketball player and sailor. She became an incomplete paraplegic after a mountain bike accident at the age of 19. She competed in her national wheelchair basketball team at five Paralympics, winning three medals, and was the first woman to play the professionally.