The Corio Bay Lions Club and Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RGYC) continued their partnership of two decades to once again hold their In the Cockpit event on Sunday, giving visually impaired members of the community the chance to sail in Corio Bay.
Twenty-eight participants took to the waves aboard six RGYC vessels, departing at 9.30am and returning for a celebratory lunch at 12.30pm.
Corio Bay Lions Club president Colin Anderson said the day was an unqualified success.
“We had an enormous day, an absolutely outstanding day,” Mr Anderson said.
“There were a huge amount of people there, and when the participants came back the laughter, the giggling, the chatter was just amazing.
“The crews and skippers were just as happy. The Commodore of the Yacht Club, Roger Bennett, was astounded and asked what more they could do. It was just one of those marvellous things.”
Commodore Bennett said the day was a rewarding one for everyone involved.
“Each person that participated got a certificate saying they’d had a successful day sailing on Corio Bay,” he said.
“And the smiles and the delight on their faces was just a joy to behold.”
Given the success of the day, both the Lions Club and the RGYC intend to expand the event next year to run over two sessions, doubling the amount of people that can enjoy the sailing experience.
“We’ve actually now got a plan in place, we’re going to do one in the morning and one in the afternoon next year,” Mr Anderson said.
“The yachties said they’d love to do it, and the crews were just so full of enthusiasm, so we’re going to spread our net wider throughout Victoria to get more people involved.
“Next year we’re going to be celebrating our 21st year doing it, so we’re going to have a big party and a cake and maybe a jazz band and really turn it on for the people.”
