One last Hurrah in an accessible sailing boat!

Hi there, It's Rachael here. I have this slightly crazy idea about going to a Hansa World Championships in Sydney Australia in March 2025.

Why is this a crazy idea?

Because once upon a time about 17 years ago I represented Australia at the Paralympic Games in sailing. And 2008 does seem like quite a while ago!

Life takes some interesting turns sometimes, as 5 years ago I was given a diagnoses of a chronic pain condition related to my type of disability. However with the support from Sailability WA and my partner (and a physio and an occupational therapist), in the past year I've been getting back out on the water, participating in some Club races, and enjoying the camaraderie that comes from being part of this community again. Oddly enough when being on the water and using the wind to power a boat I don't notice the physical pain as much, maybe because I'm sailing?!

In December 2024 I decided to throw caution to the wind and raced in the W.A para sailing Championships ICR regatta, over two days in the Hansa Liberty single person boat. Racing skills were brushed off, and I finished 1st place para sailor (2nd place overall). For each day of sailing it took one day of physical recovery, and even though the event physically knocked me, the idea germinated about going to one last World Championships.

This year the Hansa World Championships will be raced in Sydney in March, and I'd love to have one last 'Hurrah!' in an accessible sailing boat- single person Hansa Liberty.

To know more about the Hansa World Championships Sydney 2025 just go to this website: https://hansaworlds.org/

Please consider donating to help myself and my support person get to this event.... even though I might be sailing in a boat solo I can't do this endeavour alone.

If you would like to donate through Sailability WA and receive a tax deductible receipt please go here: https://www.sailabilitywa.org.au/donations/

And leave a message that you would like your donation to go towards Rachael Cox Hansa Liberty last Hurrah!

Thank you for your support to go to this event....every little bit helps towards getting there and representing Australia one last time in sailing.

Sailing/ racing skills learnt at this event will be redirected straight back to the next generation of sailors with disabilities to encourage their skill development at Sailability W.A.

https://www.sailabilitywa.org.au/