A Sailing Success

MORE than 25 visually impaired community members attended ‘In the Cockpit’ on Sunday, a free and yacht sailing program giving participants the experience the joys of sailing.

The 21st year of the event was run by the Geelong Corio Bay Lions Club and supported by the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, with participants ranging from ages nine to 96 taking part in the fun and inclusive activity on Corio Bay.

Geelong Corio Bay Lions Club member and event organiser Colin Anderson said the participant’s smiles seen at Sunday’s session were contagious.

“It was our 20th year on the water over the weekend… and it’s been super successful, all our participants, skippers and crews were just so enthusiastic… it was just superb,” Mr Anderson said.

“It takes a fair bit to get it all going… we have to organise them, bus them down to Geelong and get them down to the dock and onto the boats.

“You just couldn’t knock the smiles off their face… they are laughing, giggling and are so happy some of them can’t even talk…. awesome is about the only word to describe it all.

“A massive thanks to the Royal Geelong Yacht Club for letting us use their facilities and being so enthusiastic.”

After the sailing experience, Mr Anderson said the group hosted a BBQ, giving all participants the chance to mingle and laugh about the fantastic day.

To get involved in the concept next year, head to geelongcoriobay.vic.lions.org.au/