The aforementioned Hansa 303 was one of two boats launched at a celebration at the Illawarra Yacht Club on Saturday. 

Windang resident Mr Snowdon, the 2009 Wollongong Citizen of the Year, lost an arm and a leg in a train accident at the Port Kembla steelworks in 1992. 

Read more: A disability has not slowed down Len Snowdon

Earlier this year, he gave a presentation to Figtree Lions Club about his work with the Illawarra branch of registered charity Sailability NSW.

This organisation has been operating since 1997, and has had an ageing fleet of Hansa class boats designed for safe sailing for able-bodied and disabled sailors.

Sailability has facilities at the Illawarra Yacht Club for boat storage, a support boat and a hoist to lift people with limited mobility into the yachts.

A team of volunteers manage the facilities and provide guidance to sailors.

According to Mr Snowdon, Sailability helps enable people of varying abilities to develop their skills and experience the joy of sailing.

He said lack of mobility can be overcome on the water with wind power, modified controls and teamwork.

Mr Snowdon said Sailability aimed to be an inclusive organisation. 

More than 100 people, including able-bodied and disabled volunteers, are involved with Sailability in the Illawarra.

“The Sailability motto is ‘freedom on the water, regardless of ability/disability’,” he said.

Following Mr Snowdon’s presentation to the Lions Club, members voted to raise funds to buy a new Hansa 303 sailing craft. 

After a series of barbecues and other fundraising ventures, as well as a $4000 grant from the Australian Lions Foundation, construction of the new boat was ordered.

A second Hansa 303 built by Hansa Sailing Systems in Nowra was purchased recently by Sailability NSW, and was also launched at Saturday’s ceremony.

Mr Snowdon, who is also a life member of the Disabled Surfers Association, said Sailability was “extremely grateful to Figtree Lions Club and the Australian Lions Foundation for their kind-hearted donations”.

“Compared to the 2.3 fleet that Sailability Illawarra has now, the 303 will allow more people to have the opportunity to sail, with the new 303 being a larger boat,” he said. 

“Sailability Illawarra is also always looking for new volunteers, regardless of sailing experience.”

Figtree Lions Club president Lindsay Colquhoun said the club was “delighted to be able to support an organisation which provided such a wonderful service for people of varying abilities”. 

Read more: New limbs arrive for double amputee Len