Sailability Tasmania

Sailability Tasmania Inc. offers sailing and boating for people of all abilities, with a particular focus on people with disability. It runs in three regions — Hobart, Launceston and Wynyard — and aims to provide a service seven days a week throughout the year, including in winter.

The program is run by experienced volunteers, and sailors are asked for a small donation to help cover running costs. Regular sailors are encouraged to become members, and Sailability is always keen to hear from new volunteers — particularly retired, experienced boat people. In Hobart it sails from 23 Marieville Esplanade, Sandy Bay, home of the Derwent Sailing Squadron, one of its major supporters.

Sailability is less about formal courses and more about getting people sailing. Experienced volunteers take participants out on the water at a pace that suits them, whether that means a relaxed social sail or, for those who want it, building skills towards more independent or competitive sailing. The aim, in the organisation's own words, is to support participation at social, recreational and competitive levels.

Regular sailors are encouraged to join as members, and the program is always looking for new volunteers. You do not need to be an expert to help — there are roles on and off the water — but Sailability is particularly keen to hear from retired, experienced boat people who can share their skills. Each region has its own coordinator, listed on the Sailability Tasmania website, who can explain how to get involved locally.

Sailability Tasmania operates in three parts of the state. In Hobart it sails from 23 Marieville Esplanade in Sandy Bay, the home of the Derwent Sailing Squadron, on the sheltered waters of the River Derwent. The North West program is based in Wynyard, home of the Wynyard Yacht Club, and there is also a Launceston program in the north of the state — see our Launceston sailing clubs page for clubs in the area.

Because the program runs year-round, sailing continues through the cooler months when conditions allow. Contact the coordinator for your region before your first visit so the team can make sure the right boat and support are ready for you.

See our Sandy Bay sailing clubs page for the Hobart clubs around the program's home base.

Sailability Tasmania Inc. began operating in 1999, part of the national Sailability movement that brings sailing to people with disability. It has grown into a statewide program with bases in the south, north and north west, run almost entirely by volunteers.

Community support has been vital along the way. The organisation lists the Derwent Sailing Squadron, TasPorts, Commonwealth Bank, Rotary, Jackson Motor Company and the Tasmanian Community Fund among its major supporters — a reminder of how many people have helped keep the boats on the water.