BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS – HOW MELBOURNE SABRE SAILORS ARE RIDING THE SECOND WAVE.

In a series of on again, off again COVID-19 restrictions since March, Melbourne Sabre sailors have found themselves stranded high and dry. Undeterred by the storm, the fleet has ‘re- written’ the sailing instructions; rigging up new strategies for community connection.

The class’ renowned enthusiasm normally reserved for the rigging yards and racecourse, has rapidly switched tack to embrace online sailing development forums designed to share and foster skills growth, Sabrette Soirees creating a sense of connection and community across the female contingent and PR cross-State collaborations. While fortnightly informal Zoom catch ups have replaced after racing bar chats, boat repair checklists and to do lists pre-empt a no excuse strategy for a return to the sea.

Although some sailors have hooked into regular informal online social opportunities, others have maintained motivation by hurling heavy and light weight questions into the Facebook Sabre Development Forum. Ranging from how to improve boat speed, plywood boat rule changes, sail designs, centreboard rake, righting lines, mast sections and installing self- bailing systems, questions have been asked and willingly answered by all.

The sharing Sabre spirit continued as Alan Riley, current go fast guru holding two Sabre National State Championship titles back to back, invited fellow Sabre sailors to participate in several ‘all you can digest’ one-hour Q&A sessions. He says, “I like to think people have been learning from me, so will improve and enjoy their sailing more” and is keen to see the initiatives continue post lockdown.

Enjoying the information on offer, Randall Garnham from Black Rock Yacht Club, admittedly suffering serious sailing withdrawal symptoms, has become a further force to recon with after participating in the sessions. “I learnt heaps from these. Alan and Murray O’Brien’s tips were great. Their knowledge on how to sail fast in various conditions and how to address our problem areas was great. I’m itching to put it into practice so watch out!”

When asked what the most difficult thing about not being able to sail during this period has been, Sabre sailor Pam Webster remarked, “It’s the total physical isolation. I can’t go to the sailing club to check on the Sabre or do maintenance … or evict the water rats that might have taken up residence in my Sabre.” After regularly participating in Sabre Zoom events she comments, “I don’t feel isolated and it’s the positive attitude of the people in the class” that she has found helpful.

Lisa Barrand, familiar with Sabrette succour, sleepovers, and regular host of the Sabrette Soirees is confident the “Regular Zoom has been very supportive for people – beyond sailing.” Luis Mata says, “I miss being physically tired after going for a sail, and the sense of peace and relaxation that comes after sailing.” While Harold Medd, Mata’s fortnightly forum co-host and Sabre veteran shares, “I have always needed the completely absorbing activity of sailing to get me away from all other issues.” Both agree that the sharing of stories and getting to know each other beyond the club and a regatta has deepened their connection to the class and are keen to see the events continue.

In an environment where most Melbourne sailors don’t have a compass bearing for the next windward mark, it’s been the collective display of will, determination and commitment to community, symbolic of a sailing class made up of people prepared to batten down the hatches and weather a storm together, that has seen Sabre sailors reinvent the rules to continue living out the class’ values. Values readily described by its members as, “Encouraging, supportive, welcoming, inclusive, friendly,” or in the words of Adrian West, “Awesome!  Seriously, it’s one of the best groups I’ve seen.”

It’s traits like these that will see the continued development of a sustainable class of inclusion and participation. Securing Sabre success for the highs and the lows, the storm and the calm. In a class that can truly claim:

“Sail on silver girl
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
Oh, if you need a friend
I’m sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind.”

(Simon and Garfunkel)

Community – Comeshareunity

“What colour will it be? Will the inside be varnished? Is the sanding finished? How long will it take? How old is it? Where did you dig it up from? Did it come with sails? Looks great. Good progress!” A barrage of questions fired like shots from a Heckler and Koch. Undisturbed by the onslaught from bystanders, hand-workers on the boat renovation project remain unvexed, composed and keen to answer questions, seemingly happy to share ideas, plans and progress.

Around the workplace coffee machine conversation froths like the heated milk. Feet pound pavement along the waterfront whilst problems are solved. Regular commuters exchange stories rattling down tram tracks. Fishermen share herring rolls in antique sea towns, reliving bygone eras when nets were full and seas exciting. In the school yard a ball meets its target spurring enthusiastic celebration, back slaps and high fives. The participation in a moment, an experience, a common interest, of divinity.

Beyond the interface of an Android or Apple, in the dynamic, tangible, real- world tapestry of participation, threads weave, colours flow, yarn melds and mesh, embedding stories and interweaving experience. An osmotic, unforced, uncomplicated, social platform of sharing in humanity rumbles where:

Connection is in conversation with the dog walker
Affinity grows in the community garden
Fraternity is fostered on a friend’s night out
Support is solicited on an afternoon stroll
Belonging is embodied on the basketball court
Faith is fabricated in the Men’s Shed
Confidence crystalizes in the church pew
Loneliness is lost In lunch room laughter
Morale is mustered at the soccer match
Sisterhood strengthens in the school yard.
Community blossoms.

In a place where Tweets turn to greets, Chats to conversations, where people replace posts, shared teabags supersede hashtags, memories replace messages and browsing becomes believing that indeed an ecosystem can be established in which minds are broadened, souls strengthened, horizons expanded and humanity regained. Community blossoms and creation restores.

As the refurbished boat rolls down the ramp towards the water, enthusiasm bubbles, pride is buoyant, success a reality and achievement collective. “When are we doing the next one?” There’s a unity in community.