Harry Watson Smith of Batemans Bay Boaters Association reports that Batemans Bay Sailability is the first on-water organisation to seek an alternative location due to the new Batemans Bay Bridge construction. Harry told the Beagle "They have been forced to temporarily relocate to Nelligen because it was the only location they could find that was suitable for people with a disability, with a ramp, low pontoon, good parking and a toilet." Sailability Batemans Bay is an enthusiastic club committed to encouraging fun and freedom on the water and sail using four 2.3 and one 303 Access dinghy with one Servo assisted dinghy. The group sails alternate Sundays and Mondays, from September until April. The club will now sail the Clyde River at Nelligen until their own purpose built new jetty and pontoon at Wray Street are installed and ready to use hopefully coinciding with completion of the new bridge was completed and the funds become available. "The water is deep, the current is slacker but the wind rarely is more than a whisper. " Harry advised however "There is only Telstra mobile coverage so if you are not connected you cant communicate with family let alone phone for help or an ambulance." "There is extra cost to transport participants to the venue however the foreshore is a great example of what could be provided to all Batemans Bay boat ramps and to the temporary one at Korners Park. Just compare the two venues now. Harry Watson Smith is one of the Batemans Bay Foreshore Committee looking at what landscaping and facility provisions will be made when the old bridge is removed and the new bridge commissioned.
Sailability welcomes people of all ages and abilities to their sailing day this Sunday, January 20th, from the foreshore next to the boat ramp at Nelligen sailing from about 10.30am to 3pm. Interested in volunteering? Then be sure to call in and see what the group does. For more info, contact Secretary: Terry McDonough secretary@sailabilitybatemansbay.org You can also visit their website HERE
Photos: Harry Watson Smith
