The third annual NRL Regatta was a huge success. Nineteen yachts, 63 rookies and representatives of the NRL, 38 volunteers of Sailors with disABILITIES and 54 disabled kids battled it out on Sydney Harbour on the 29th of January.

Here’s a report from Sandra Pilgrim, one of the SWD crew, on board of Euphoria:

Report (story) from Euphoria/Roosters - After initial mayhem of finding Euphoria's motor wouldn't start, we quickly re-charged the battery, did the slip-slop-slap and were pushed off the dock by muscle bound Rooster boys Ben, Marty and Anthony.

The Rooster boys were quick to learn how to set the sails, although their weights training didn't seem to pay off when it came to heaving at the mast.

Perhaps you'll need to come back again and practice your technique boys. Our calm and controlled skipper Tony handed out the jobs and set the boys to work on the winches.

All seemed quiet with our guests Chris and Kevin, but that soon changed. Chris help the rookies on the winch, grinding like a demon. Heading upwind, Anthonym was grinding on the tack, but soon bailed with a shoulder injury.

We weren't sure if he was just being a 'wuss', but couldn't risk him being 'out for the season' so we gave him a rest.

Marty and Ben quickly stepped in on main and heady trim.

We rounded the mark and attempted to find some wind on the downward leg.

Thankfully Kevin was ready to back up while the boys headed to the bow to provide us with some entertainment.

Anthony sang his Titanic rendition, taught Chris some dance moves and soon the two were 'beat boxing' with some crazy machine gun choreography.

The Roosters were already complaining of hunger before we made Shark Island. We still had a way to go so Chris kindly shared his food stash with his new found mates.

As we turned Point Piper the wind returned and the boys were back to work in the cockpit. Realising we were losing ground to all the 'motor assisted' boats beside us, the boys were calling out for Skipper to 'put the motor on'.

He obliged.

We'd played fair til' now, but seeing the creative course other boats were making we tacked across to join them.

Hitting more lifeless air, goose winged and headed to the finish line, the boys stopped work for what looked like a rumble on the bow.

On closer inspection Anthony, Ben and Marty were underpinned by Chris. He'd found who was ticklish! Our hard working, starving crew dropped the halyards, flaked the sails, docked us safely and raced upstairs for some tucker.

Chris hugged his new found found friends, proudly displaying his medallion with a grin from ear to ear!

FEEDBACK ON THE DAY:
Sassy Park, mother of Otto Schwerdtfeger (13)
“Please could you pass on our thanks to the organizers of SWD for yesterday. Although reluctant at first, Otto had a smile on his face for most of the sailing (except when feeling a little sea sick).”

Tracy White, mother of Scott “Thank you for a wonderful day on 29th January 2008.

My son Scott and I was welcomed with open arms and we had such a good day.

If it wasnt for your organisation my son would never have had the opportunity to experience being on a yacht.

There should be more organisations like yours who care about our special ones.”