My name is Linda and I work for Hansa Sailing Systems in Nowra, Australia. It is a fabulous workplace and the small, highly skilled team are very passionate about what they do.
If you were to sail one of our boats, in a regatta, you would be sailing in an arena of inclusion. It means that this sport, involving Hansa Sail Boats, is truly an equal playing field. Able-bodied people compete equally against people with disabilities. The participants’ ability to read the wind and to sail the boat to their advantage, are the main skills needed to enjoy the competition. This is truly an opportunity for everyone to have fun.
A more competitive bunch of participants is hard to find. Surprisingly, at first, you begin to realise that there might be sheep stations at stake for anyone trying to obtain a placing in each race and ultimately the regatta overall. Then after getting to know the competitors and hearing their stories, you realise that the quest for supremacy has taken many years of training and persistence. This makes participation in a Hansa sailing event, even more special.
The involvement of volunteers is vital. Volunteers are required to administer club memberships, raise funds, train sailors, set up and conduct sailing races. Volunteers also man the support boats then clean and store all equipment after every sailing day and regatta. I have observed that some of the most satisfied volunteers are the ones who allow the sailors to experience the joy of sailing solo, by following in support boats and advising from a distance.
The friendships made at these sailing events are important. Friendships are strengthened as the volunteers demonstrate their commitment to each other, the participants and to the world that is Hansa Sailing. This involvement gives volunteers and sailors a great sense of belonging. This is their community. A community that is now – worldwide.
What about the spectators? The Hansa boat and sail colours are infectious. There are ten different hull and sail colours in the range. Seeing a regatta full of colour is alluring to any spectator. Attending any Hansa Sailing event is sure to have you sharing pics on your social media. You’ll be itching to attend a “come-and-try-sailing” day!!
Not being a sailor at all has made my work life interesting. The learning curve (about the products, spares and the industry) has been quite sharp. With the help of all members of the Hansa family, I am enjoying my switch to a completely different industry.
Thanks for joining me! This is my first attempt (ever) at blogging. More will come as we approach the 2018 Hansa Class World & International Championships Hiroshima, Japan beginning in Mid October.
