Making waves
New name for sailing charity show it's determined to provide inclusive and unique sailing.
Photography by Jorge Bechara
18 February 2020
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After 25 years, Sailors with disABILITIES will be renamed to Making Waves Foundation, in order to reflect the wider role the charity plays in society. The name change will coincide with their Making Waves Regatta, to be held on 6 March.
“A couple of years ago someone said ‘you guys are making waves these days’ and we thought what a great name for our Regatta,” explained Founder David Pescud. “Fast forward 2 years and we realised how it truly represents our aspirations, what we have become and where we are going.”
The name Making Waves was chosen to ‘truly resonate’ with the charity’s goal to provide inclusive and unique sailing, while unlocking the potential of the disadvantaged and disengaged Australian youth.
The charity is expanding to address the challenges in today’s society, most recently with its Wright of Passage program.
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In Sydney, WOP teaches shipwright and woodworking skills to disadvantaged and disengaged Australian young people. As part of the program, they rebuilt a sinking yacht to a seaworthy state, then sailed it out the Sydney Heads and on to Hobart. They presented their workmanship in the Bi-Annual Wooden Boat Festival and have since moved into careers and further education.
For 25 years, the charity has led a crew in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
“Last year, we crossed the finish line with an inclusive crew of abled, disadvantaged and disabled sailors. We proved that being challenged by circumstance doesn’t mean being left behind,” continued Pescud.
“Our yachts with trained crews are supporting children through sailing that extends from Mackay to Hobart while having a permanent presence in Sydney and Melbourne. We achieve this with our dedicated sailing volunteers. We are always seeking funds to keep our yachts in top shape for our expanding programs.
So you can see we are making waves and challenging today’s society and therefore we felt that Making Waves reflected the attitude and aspirations of what we are doing for the future.”
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