Sailability Bendigo wraps up after another successful season!

The 2nd of April was the final Sailability Bendigo session for the 2024/2025 season!

Sailability Bendigo is a partnership program, between Bendigo Yacht Club, Cairn Curran Sailing Club, and Sports Focus. The program provides people with disabilities the opportunity to sail at the beautiful Lake Weeroona!

Sophie Bickford, Project Coordinator at Sports Focus, coordinates the Sailability Bendigo program, stating “We had 17 of our fantastic, dedicated volunteers helping to deliver the program, and 16 participants who took to the water for one final time this season! With clear blue skies and mild temperatures, it was a really beautiful morning spent providing the opportunity for people with disabilities to sail, witnessing the freedom and happiness they experience.”

Cycling Without Age Bendigo was also there for the final sailing day, providing people with disabilities free, accessible and safe trishaw rides around the lake. This new partnership was initiated earlier this season, and has quickly become a very popular and exciting element to each sailing day.

April’s sailing session ended with a BBQ lunch for all of the volunteers – with the food generously donated by Coles Group Bendigo and Bakers Delight Bendigo. It was a fantastic and valuable chance to recognise all of the volunteer’s contributions towards another Sailability season, and reflect on how important inclusive, safe and welcoming sport opportunities are for the community.

The BBQ also served as an opportunity to celebrate one of the volunteer’s recent achievements in his own sailing journey – Simon Bibby recently competed at the 2025 Hansa World & International Championships, in the Hansa 303 Singles Open & Para Classes. Simon finished the regatta 21st in the world title, and ranked 3rd Australian Para Class male. We’re very proud of Simons achievements – reflecting back to when he first engaged with the program as a participant, it’s amazing to recognise what he has achieved.