BIA NSW presents an Access C-Crane for people with a disability to share the joy of Sailing

15-Jun-2012
BIA Director Alan Steber on behalf of BIA members donated a Access C-Crane and
associated equipment to the Manning-Great Lakes branch of Sailability NSW
recently in Taree.

The access C-Crane was developed as a transferring aid for disabled sailors in to
and out of specially designed 2.3 m Access Dinghies and other small equipment. It
will make sailing outings much easier for keen sailors and their carers. Manning and
Great Lakes Sailability President Susan Dunk said “the new equipment will enable
the Access Dinghies to be rigged from the wharf, and eager sailors to be lowered
easily into the craft and they very much appreciated the donation”.

Alan Steber in presenting the crane “encouraged all present, including those with
disabilities to discover boating and the joys of the outdoors”. He said “the BIA
promotes Try Sailing and Try Boating Days across the state as well as the promotion
of safe boating and educational initiatives and guidelines for members and
recreational boaters to act in an environmentally responsible manner”.

Alan Steber said he “believes it is the first time the BIA has undertaken a support
project of this type in a regional area of New South Wales”. Alan paid a special
tribute to “all the volunteers for their dedication in making it possible for people with a
disability to get out on the water”.

The Hon. Stephen Broomhead MP was a special guest taking the opportunity to
“thank the BIA for making such an important contribution to assisting the disabled to
enjoy freedom on the water on the Manning River”.
For more information:
www.bia.org.au