Twenty Years of SAILS at Bayside
By Ailsa Gill
On Sunday, 25 October, SAILS at Bayside celebrated 20 years of Anglican Sailing Adventures In Life Skills with a special service at St Peter’s, Wynnum, led by Archbishop Jeremy. During the service, prayers were offered for the organisations and individuals who have supported SAILS over the years, as well as the many organisations that have participated in its activities. The service was followed by a dinner attended by more than 70 invited guests who have been involved with the organisation throughout its history.
SAILS at Bayside was established as a mission outreach of the parishes of Wynnum, Manly, Waterloo Bay and East Redlands. Its purpose was to provide sailing and kayaking activities for both the wider community and organisations working with at-risk youth and disadvantaged members of the community. Today, it operates as a community outreach ministry of Wynnum Parish, although many of its volunteers continue to come from other parishes and community organisations.
Over the years, SAILS at Bayside has partnered with a wide range of organisations, including Silky Oaks Children’s Haven, Bahloo Women’s Youth Shelter, BABI Youth and Family Service, QPASTT (Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma), the CREATE Foundation, and Little Dreamers. The organisation has also delivered programs as part of Brisbane City Council’s Move Well public events.
Among the founding members (see photo) of SAILS from St Paul’s were Joan Boardman-Smith, Errol Smith, Ailsa Gill, Bev Giles and Fr Keith Colbert. Other volunteers who contributed through sailing events, Bunnings barbecues, committee service and various support roles included Alan and Ann Littman, Barbara and Michael Clifford, Lew Ricketts, Bev and Charlie Constable, Lyn Boal, Chris and Isobel Rohde, Bev Schmidt and Craig Lawrence. The organisation provided a wonderful opportunity for members of different congregations across the deanery to work together and build lasting friendships.
At the anniversary celebrations, guests shared stories from the early days of SAILS. Many recalled the original fleet of boats, most of which had been donated and were all different, making the rigging of each vessel an ongoing challenge. Others remembered Dave Stannard, Ann’s husband and Amanda’s father, who faithfully spent every Monday morning chopping onions for the fundraising barbecues.
There were also many stories about the young people who participated in SAILS activities. Some arrived too frightened to enter the water, yet by the end of the day did not want to leave. As one participant enthusiastically declared, it had been the “Best Day Ever”.
Manly Parish also provided a space for the boats to be stored before the property was sold.
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