After six months of campaigning and fund raising, Sailability Toronto will soon have an all-accessible wharf and floating pontoon with a crane to help disabled sailors take flight on the water.

The not-for-profit organisation helps people with all forms of disability learn to sail, giving them access to the outdoors and sporting activity they may otherwise not have the opportunity to experience.

The Star reported on August 5, that Sailability volunteers were trying to establish a base for the organisation in Toronto but could not get disabled patrons into its specially-designed dinghies until a wharf with pontoon and crane had been built.

With the help of a $50,000 grant from NSW Maritime and $25,000 donation from the Newcastle Permanent Building Society, work began this week on the infrastructure.

Sailability Toronto president Geoff Thornely said the organisation had also received another $65,000 in cash, equipment and services donated from local businesses and community organisations.

“There is a tremendous social support network in this district but I’m always surprised at its generosity,” he said.

“It makes organisations like ours possible.”

Mr Thornely said he had been contacted by groups from as far away as Wyong, Singleton and Wallsend, which showed there was a need for more outdoor-based activities for the disabled.

“I have had expressions of interest from people who want to sail with us from about 16 different organisations so far,” he said.

“Some, such as The Spastic Centre and Group Homes, may have up to 10 to 15 charges that would like to get in the water.”

With work underway, Mr Thornely said he hoped to have people sailing within five weeks.

The club has five Access 2.3 and 303 dinghies that have been specially-designed with deep ballasted centerboards for extra stability but Mr Thornely said he expected at least five more would be required in 12 months.