Sailability – Building Yachts for the Disabled
This award winning activity of 2001 won the Category of ‘Caring for People’ with the award presented to Sailability Australia (Tasmania) by the Prime Minister, Hon. John Howard. This activity involved Work for the Dole participants in the construction of two purpose built 7.4 metre yachts especially designed for the disabled to experience the joy of sailing in a safe and sturdy vessel. Under the expert tuition of a master yacht builder, Mr. Ian Milner of Invermay, the participants experienced work experience in the areas of design interpretation, form cutting, carpentry, fibreglassing, sail making/rigging and painting.
The completed yachts can now be viewed in their mooring at the Old Launceston Seaport. They continue to provide a challenging and safe experience for current day disabled thrill seekers along the Tamar Estuary.
