The Editor,
Sailability Now Sailing in Nelligen
I refer to the article quoting Harry Watson-Smith on this topic dated 17 January, 2019. While generally accurate, there are some points that Sailability Batemans Bay (SBB), the group affected, would like to make.
With the approaching construction of the new Batemans Bay bridge, SBB has been involved in consultations with council officers, representatives of John Holland Group (in both its capacities as constructors/project managers and providing community liaison for Roads and Maritime Services), and representatives of the Foreshore Advisory Committee.
In these consultations SBB has expressed its views and concerns and is quite satisfied with the level and timing of the consultations.
Because of the timing of the closure of its normal launching site in Old Punt Road in January 2019 for construction purposes, SBB decided to start its sailing activities for 2019 at the new launch site at Nelligen.
SBB had determined Nelligen as the most suitable site for its purposes during the consultations and lead-up to vacating the normal site.
The mission statement for Sailability is “Sailability promotes freedom, achievement and empowerment through the sport of sailing”. SBB holds dearly its ethos to be a good community member, and relocating to Nelligen for the duration of construction of the bridge is an expression of it being a good community member.
Having now held two sailing days at Nelligen, we find that Nelligen is a very suitable location and look forward to continuing our sailing season there. We are especially appreciative of the boaters and canoeists who use Nelligen while we are there, for their tolerance and forbearance towards us, sharing facilities in a friendly manner and with consideration for us.
We also express our appreciation to the Nelligen Progress Association and townsfolk who have come down to say “Hi” and have a chat, and for the local businesses that support us.
We trust that our time at Nelligen will continue in similar vein and look forward to developing strong relationships with all whom we come in contact with there as we explore our new venue.
To clarify a few points in the article: SBB has a fleet of four 303 and four 2.3 Access sailboats and two safety boats, and sailing days are held on three Mondays and one Sunday each month.
Please contact secretary Jocelyn Righton on 4478 1262 or sec.sailability2536@gmail.com. Keep up to date with news and sailing days on www.sailabilitybatemansbay.com.
Peter Glen
President, on behalf of the members of SBB
VIDEO: Hansa 303 action on Sydney Harbour
