How Sailability is helping SASI customers build confidence, connection and new experiences.
For the past three months, two SASI customers — Bryan and Jamee — have been heading down to Mornington Yacht Club to take part in something a little different.
Not a therapy session.
Not a classroom activity.
But a morning out on the water.
Through the Sailability program — a nationwide initiative that helps people of all abilities experience sailing — Bryan and Jamee have been discovering the excitement, relaxation and connection that comes from being out at sea.
The excitement often begins before the group even arrives at the marina. On the bus ride over, Jamee regularly shares her enthusiasm, announcing, “I’m so excited for sailing today!” while Bryan arrives with a huge smile, clearly looking forward to the day ahead.
A welcoming program for all abilities
Sailability operates across Australia with a simple but powerful goal: making sailing accessible to everyone.
Using specially designed boats, adaptive equipment and trained volunteers, the program creates opportunities for people with disability, including autistic people and others with additional support needs, to safely experience time out on the water.
At Mornington Yacht Club, participants are welcomed into a relaxed and supportive environment where the focus is on participation, enjoyment and shared experiences.
SASI is often one of the first groups to arrive in the morning. With a little assistance from staff, participants eagerly put on their life jackets before heading to the kiosk to purchase their $10 ticket for the day.
From there, it’s time to make their way down to the boats.
Participants can choose between smaller sailing boats — where you sail alongside a member of the sailing team — or the JK Motor Boat, which usually has two Sailability staff on board along with customers and support workers.
The excitement of setting sail
Once everyone is on board, the atmosphere is filled with anticipation.
Jamee loves chatting with the Sailability volunteers and other participants while the boat prepares to leave the dock. Just before departure, she takes on an important role — announcing the start of the journey.
“All aboard,” she calls out proudly, blowing the whistle attached to her life jacket.
Moments like this help create a sense of involvement and fun for everyone on board.
Out on the water, the experience quickly becomes both relaxing and exciting. The movement of the boat, the fresh sea air and the wide open views create a calm environment where participants can simply enjoy the moment.
Participants often spend time looking out across the water, taking in the beautiful scenery around the marina and coastline. On one recent outing, the group even spotted two seals swimming nearby — an unexpected highlight that brought plenty of smiles.
More than just sailing
While learning about boats and sailing is part of the experience, the benefits of the program go well beyond the water.
Activities like Sailability provide valuable opportunities for people with disability to participate in community programs, try new experiences and build confidence in unfamiliar environments.
Spending time outdoors, interacting with volunteers and sharing the experience with support staff helps participants build connections and feel part of the wider community.
For many, it’s simply about enjoying something new — feeling the sea breeze, watching the sails move with the wind and sharing the adventure together.
A supportive community
One of the things that stands out about the Mornington Yacht Club Sailability program is the welcoming nature of the volunteers and staff.
Participants are met with kindness, patience and encouragement throughout the day, creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere that helps everyone feel comfortable and supported.
That warm environment plays a big part in what makes the program so enjoyable.
Looking ahead
Programs like Sailability highlight just how important inclusive community activities can be.
They create opportunities for people to explore new interests, connect with others and experience the joy of trying something different.
For Bryan and Jamee, the weekly visits to Mornington Yacht Club have quickly become something they genuinely look forward to — a chance to spend time outdoors, share new experiences and enjoy being out on the water.
To find out more about SASI services visit sasi.org.au.
To find a Sailability club near you, visit the Australian Sailing club finder at: sailing.org.au/club-finder/
