Sail club members lap up grant boost

Albany’s Sailability Club has been given a much-needed boost through a $48,000 Lotterywest grant.

South West Region MLC Robyn McSweeney presented the grant to the group, run through the Princess Royal Sailing Club, last week.

Group co-ordinator Chris Lee said sailing was a rewarding experience for those involved.

“Our clients are all ages, from really young school kids to people that are quite elderly, and a whole range of abilities,” he said.

“A person who is a paraplegic who is in a wheelchair can (be) hoisted ... in a boat and they can get out there and engage in sailing.”

Ms McSweeney said she hoped the grant would help the group continue to offer its services to those people with disabilities who were keen to sail.

“I was in awe of the passion of the group and how much they want to help people enjoy sailing who might not otherwise be able to,” she said.

The club is running a fundraising campaign for operational costs for the program.

Call the club on 0407 611 957.