Sailing towards a new horizon

If you had told Air Force veteran Sharon Dalton that she would be considering going to the Sailing World Championships in 2025 three years ago, she would never have believed you. 

Sharon had always been an active person and loved the water, but after becoming a wheelchair-user eight years ago, she was forced to discontinue her lifestyle as she knew it. 

Veteran Sharon Dalton has discovered a passion for sailing

“After the accident I became really involved with archery, pistol shooting, swimming and modified indoor rowing and had even planned to get into the Invictus Games. But then my arms started failing so I couldn’t continue doing these things that I loved,” Sharon says.

“Being in a wheelchair is limiting. While there are a lot of social sporting activities out there for veterans, I found it difficult to find ones that were of interest to me and were completely accessible. 

“I started to feel lost and wanted to find something that made me enjoy life again.” 

A new chapter 

Two years ago, when Sharon came across an online post about Saltwater Veterans, things began to look up. 

“I remember seeing a post about a sailing program for veterans, so I reached out for more info,” Sharon recalls.  

“Within 10 minutes I was on the phone to Scott Reynolds, the founder, for about an hour discussing what he wants Saltwater Veterans to be and grow into, and how he wants it to support the veteran community. 

“It was inspiring to hear his vision and when he told me it was completely accessible, it was like another world opened up.” 

Run in partnership by RSL Queensland and Saltwater Veterans, and supported by Sailability Mooloolaba, this Rec Connect Sailing activity offers veterans a one-day sailing program that teaches the basics of how to sail in a supportive, friendly environment. 

Sharon says it was exciting to try something new and was blown away by the level of support she received.  

“I didn’t know anything about sailing when I first signed up, but there were lovely volunteers in the boat with you that showed you the ropes,” she explains. 

“They also used a sling that hoisted me from my wheelchair and lowered me into the boat, and then I was able to sail just like everyone else! 

“There was such a strong sense of teamwork I’d never experienced before. If my arms were failing, someone else in the boat would be there to help and there’d be no impact on our trajectory. 

“Being in the boat that first time made me forget about what I couldn’t do and instead focus on what I could do.” 

Last June, Sharon attended the latest Sailing Activity through RSL Rec Connect and said it was the most popular one yet.  

“There were so many more people this time around! It was great to see how much the program and our sailing community had grown,” Sharon says. 

“Veterans brought more of their family members and children along. It was heartwarming to see so many new faces ready to get out there on the water. 

“Of course, there were some less experienced people at the start of the activity when we were running through the initial safety briefing, but once everyone got out on the water, their confidence grew, and their laughter and excitement was heard by all. This is what this event is all about, positive social interaction. 

“Then once we got off the water, you couldn’t wipe the smiles off everyone, and it was great to hear how they all went. 

“It made me reflect on how impactful these social activities are to our wellbeing. Even if you discovered sailing wasn’t for you, you might’ve come away with some great connections.” 

Finding her community 

Sharon found sailing was, in fact, for her and is thankful for her new community of likeminded people.  

“Thanks to this program, I’ve been able to connect with other sailing organisations including Sailability Mooloolaba and the Mooloolaba Yacht Club, which have enabled me to further my sailing journey and be welcomed by other yacht clubs and Sailability teams around Australia. I’m now considering the World Championships in Sydney next year,” she says.

“I’m so grateful that I have finally found something I love to do and such a wonderful community, but it wouldn’t have been possible if I hadn’t have put myself out there in the first place.

“It’s important to surround yourself with a network of people who want to lift you up and see you succeed, but you’ve got to take that first step and reach out. 

“I encourage veterans to get out of their comfort zone and try something new. You never know where or who it might lead you to.”

To see a wide range of veteran community events coming up across Queensland, visit www.rslqld.org/whats-on.