Lotto gets on board to put wind in fleet's sails

A Lotterywest grant means smooth sailing and a bigger fleet for a Bunbury-based program.

Bunbury MLA John Castrilli handed over $23,000 on Thursday to enable the Sail Into Life program to add two new accessible sailing dinghies to its fleet.

The program was initiated by Bunbury's three Rotary clubs in 2005 to allow South West people living with disabilities to go sailing at the Koombana Bay Sailing Club.

It caters for up to 150 participants, family members, carers and volunteers from October until April.

Sail into Life chairwoman Heather Reid described the funding as fantastic and a validation of the program.

"The new boats will allow us to have races and they are actually easier to operate than the smaller boats," she said.

"It's an all-inclusive program not just for people living with disability but for their family too.

"We've had brilliant feedback from people who have taken part and some of the testimonials brought tears to my eyes."

Mr Castrilli said the program was a success story because it helped people with disabilities to be able to experience sailing without having to travel too far from home.

"The sailing dinghies give people a wonderful sense of freedom and adventure as well as the delight of often seeing dolphins in Koombana Bay during their sailing," he said.

"I thank and congratulate everyone involved in the program and look forward to seeing the two new boats out on the water next season."