A new safety boat, funded by the Wellington Community Trust, and named ‘Trusty’ was launched by Chief Executive, Mark Cassidy on a crisp Sunday morning at Evans Bay Yacht Club.

Sailability Wellington is a charitable trust that helps people with disabilities enjoy sailing all year round. Volunteers, lead by club captain Don Manning, meet 4 days a week to support nearly 150 disabled sailors.

On a crisp Sunday morning in mid-July, WCT Chief Executive Mark Cassidy broke the traditional bottle of champagne on the bow of their new safety boat, before taking a test run round the bay watched by a crowd of more than 100 well-wishers.

Left: Don Manning assists WCT Chief Executive, Mark Cassidy with the champagne at the launch. Right: Mark Cassidy (right) testing out Trusty in Evans Bay in the reliable hands of Sailability Wellington crew.

Supporting community wellbeing, sport and recreation

Appropriately named Trusty, the new safety boat, has been fully funded by the Wellington Community Trust. It will be used at the Titahi Bay Boating Club, which is shortly to become Sailability Wellington’s third base in the region.

Rongotai MP, Annette King with WCT Chief Executive, Mark Cassidy

MP for Rongotai, Annette King attended the launch event and praised Sailability for the opportunities they offer to the sailors, and the Wellington Community Trust for their ongoing support of community groups throughout the Wellington region.