Sailability Hawkes Bay in New Zealand are undertaking a 24-hour team endurance sailing event, in honour of one of their sailors, Samuel Gibson.

Samuel was a regular sailor with the group, despite being born with a rare condition called osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic disorder that makes for brittle bones that fracture easily. Samuel passed away in May after falling from his wheelchair whilst undertaking a half marathon.

The 39 year-old, father of two’s energy and enthusiasm for life was well known and, at the time of his death, he was planning a 300-kilometre Alps to Ocean Trail run to raise funds for a boy with a similar condition. His goal was to demonstrate that ‘ability is no limit to adventure’.

In his honour, and to support the trust set up in his name  – Samuel Gibson Memorial Trust – a 24-hour endurance event is planned for the Waitangi weekend , February 3rd to 6th 2017.

The sailing will start from Napier Sailing Club, with overnight sailing along the foreshore, and sailing during daylight hours in the channel waters of Hawkes Bay.  Teams of 4 will raise funds for the trust through sponsorship and are encouraged to decorate their boats – and themselves.

For more details about the event, contact Katy Kenah at sailabilityhb@xtra.co.nz