With our move to Coffs Jetty Harbour in December 2005 we gained many advantages over our old venue. Much praise and enthusiasm surrounded our events.
Our volunteers worked tirelessly and performed well under sometimes trying conditions. At the begining of the season we knew 'access' was going to be our big hurdle and despite having to contend with beach launches and the occassional surfing experience (we can ask Jack Moffit about that one) we came through the year more enthused than ever.
Although the access issue is not completely resolved we are hopefully on our way to a much easier season for the volunteers. Several grants have been applied for to facilitate the construction of a purpose-built dinghy trailer. This trailer/ trolley has been designed to lift a disabled sailor from the beach chair into the 'Access Dinghy' using a jib and hoist, then wheel the dinghy into the water. From the trolley launch the dinghy can be towed by the recovery boat into water deep enough for the centre-board to be lowered. Unlike most dinghy trollies this unit will face the bow towards the water for easy launching and with the rear of the dinghy on dry sand the sailor can safely (and dryly) transfer into the vessel.
