Join us at our annual charity

Regatta

Sydney  |  9 October 2026  |  CYCA

Register Now

Making Waves Foundation’s 24th Entry

81st Rolex

Sydney to Hobart

Yacht Race

Follow the Race

Join us at our annual charity

Regatta

Sydney  |  9 October 2026  |  CYCA

Register Now

Making Waves Foundation’s 24th Entry

81st Rolex

Sydney to Hobart

Yacht Race

Follow the Race

We Create Empowering Sailing Programs

Making Waves Foundation is an Australian registered not-for-profit charitable organisation. We provide unique on-water experiences for young people with disabilities or young adults experiencing disadvantage.

Our Programs

Winds of Joy

Extraordinary experiences for extraordinary young people
More Information

Winds of Change

8-week journey for school students to learn sailing.
More Information

Wright of Passage

School students learning maritime trade skills..
More Information

Winds of Inspiration

Opportunities for people to challenge themselves
More Information

Donation Options

Bronze

Volunteer Training
$ 55
  • Online Courses
  • Uniforms
  • Inclusive Community
Set Up Payment
To help train a new volunteer sailor so they have the skills and knowledge to be able to participate in our programs

Silver

Sponsor a Child
$ 250
  • Winds of Joy
  • Wright of Passage
  • Winds of Change
Set Up Payment
Sponsor a young person with disability or experiencing social disadvantage to participate in one of our programs.
Popular

Gold

Skipper Training
$ 2,460
  • Volunteer Development
  • On-Water Training
  • Team Leadership
Set Up Payment
To help upskill and develop our volunteers to progress to a qualified RYA Day Skipper

Platinum

Sponsor a School
$ 3,750
  • Empowering Students
  • Winds of Joy
  • Winds of Change
Set Up Payment
Sponsor a school or a group (max 15) of participants to experience a day on the water in one of our programs.

Latest News

MWF Successfully Completes their 23rd Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race >
The Making Waves Foundation is thrilled to announce the successful completion of the 23rd campaign in the legendary Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
MWF Wins Sport Promotion Award at NSW/ACT Sailing Awards >
On Saturday 20 September, Making Waves Foundation was awarded the Sport Promotion Award.
MWF’s Wright of Passage Program Wins Inclusion Program of the Year >
Making Waves Foundation’s Wright of Passage program has been awarded Inclusion Program of the Year at the 2025 Victorian Sailing Awards.
For young people who are at risk or disadvantaged

Dream of being so much more.

.We put all the sails up for young people at risk or experiencing disadvantage and push the boat to its limits. It’s all about inclusion, pushing the boundaries, teamwork, communication, respect, optimism, overcoming challenges and problem-solving.

Testimonials

What students are saying
Wright of Passage student, James
‘You will come in not knowing what you want to do, but through the program you can work it out.’
Winds of Change student, Mark
‘One thing I had learnt about myself is how to communicate with the crew. Also, how to trust. I know the crew will keep us safe.’
Winds of Change student, Jack
‘Thank you so much for providing me and everyone with a great sailing experience. I have had the best time and learned so much!’
Making Waves Foundation A young boy holding up a poster with a map on it.
Working with

School Students

We work with students from special needs schools or schools with support units along the Eastern Seaboard. These students benefit most from our programs.

Making Waves Foundation A woman wearing a hat on the steering wheel of a boat.

Partners

Making Waves Foundation The Australian coat of arms featuring the Commonwealth Government on a black background.
Beaufort Blue Text Colour

As Seen In The Media