Sailability Whitsunday receives 'best' boat

 The presentation of Ben Southall’s Hobie trimaran to charitable organisation Sailability Whitsunday turned out to be an even greater occasion than planned when Sunstate Hobie Director Mal Gray unexpectedly announced, “I’ve just decided to tear the invoice up”.

 Mr Gray had previously agreed to sell the trimaran to Sailability Whitsunday at a reduced cost, having already put it to good use during Ben Southall’s ‘best expedition in the world’.

 “I hadn’t given it a lot of thought before now, but I think it’s a good way to finish off the expedition and I’m sure they (Sailability) can put the money to another really good use,” Mr Gray said.

 Mr Gray said one of the main reasons he decided to make a full donation was “because, like Ben, Sailability were prepared to pay”.

 “I am often approached by people with their hands out. I prefer to give to those who don’t want everything for nothing,” he said.

 “I can see what effort you’ve all put in. You are the generous ones,” Mr Gray told a stunned Sailability Whitsunday President Bruce Carter and his crew.

 Mr Carter said he was “overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone concerned”.

 “The advantage of this boat is we aren’t as tide-reliant as with some of the other vessels. It’s extremely stable and with the trampolines we can have a carer either side of the client. Basically, in conjunction with our three Access-3 dinghies, we now have a range of vessels to suit differing disabilities,” Mr Carter said.

 The Hobie trimaran is in immaculate condition in spite of its gruelling journey along the Great Barrier Reef and comes complete with everything but Ben’s Aussie figurehead “Davo” the glove puppet, who has been “retired”.

 Mr Southall said Friday’s presentation was a “poignant moment” as he farewelled his home of four-and-a-half months and flashed back to his charitable roots.

 “Being patron of something like this is significant for me because it takes me back to my days when I worked for a disabled charity in the UK. It’s a big honour, and comes with the responsibility of helping to promote this throughout Queensland,” he said.

 Friday’s celebrations also included the draw of a 38-prize raffle, which businesses all over the Whitsundays donated to. Mr Carter said funds raised from the raffle would enable Sailability Whitsunday to order a brand new Access-3 dinghy, which was expected to arrive within the next few weeks.