It’s been a big and seamless run of activity on Sydney Harbour, with Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project (SVSP) crews rolling from one event straight into the next—showcasing what’s possible when momentum, preparation, and community come together.
The journey began at Manly Yacht Club for the Helly Hansen Women’s Challenge, where SVSP’s all-ladies novice crew stepped up to take on a strong fleet. It was a proud moment for the program, highlighting milestone in the year-long restoration of Salt-E-7—now up & racing and looking the part.
From there, the team rolled directly into the ADF Sailing Championships from RANSA & CYCA. Despite the final day of racing being conceded to weather, the regatta delivered highly competitive sailing across the fleet. The SVSP crew finishing 4th overall out of fleet of 11 boats, the result reflects a strong performance and the first full “power trial” of Salt-E-7 with a racing crew.
More than results, the championships reinforced the value of connection—bringing together current serving ADF members and veterans, and continuing to build pathways through sailing.
The momentum didn’t stop there.
Back at Middle Harbour Yacht Club, SVSP delivered a Safety Boat Operators course, further investing in capability across the community. A standout moment was seeing SVSP instructors Jack and Sean step up to run their first course—both having come through the program themselves and now paying it forward to the next group of participants.
The course also welcomed Saltwater Veterans that normally sail from Cronulla Sailing Club, making the trip out of the Shire to develop their skills on the water. This kind of cross-club engagement is exactly how stronger, more connected sailing communities are built.
Across three consecutive initiatives, one theme stands out: connection, capability, and community on the water.
Stay Salty 💛⚓️💙