A moment on the water: carers find respite on the bay

The morning sun shone brightly on the still waters of the Yarra River, not a hint of breeze to cause even a slight ripple. Aboard ‘97’, a sleek white yacht that once claimed victory in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, nine carers sat on deck, the nourishing air filling their lungs, the weight of their daily responsibilities momentarily lifted by the rhythm of the water.

For these nine, the journey to this moment has been long and often unseen. They are the silent pillars of our communities – daughters, partners, sisters, mothers – who pour love and energy into the lives of others, tending to needs before their own. But on this day, the tides turned in their favour. Spectrum had arranged a brief afternoon of respite, a small gift of time and space to simply be.

As the yacht pulled away from the Docklands jetty, a welcome breeze teased through hair and threatened to dislodge caps. Smiles appeared as the carers took turns at the steering wheel. Others snapped photos. There was no agenda, no schedule – just the sun-drenched deck beneath their feet and the open bay ahead.

Some took a seat in quiet reflection, eyes closed, letting the motion of the water rock away the fatigue they had carried for too long. Others chatted away, sharing stories, finding comfort in knowing they were not alone. The simple act of exhaling, of breathing in this moment of stillness, became its own kind of healing.

“This is an escape from the daily living stress,” said Sofia, who cares for her sick husband, her elderly parents, and her sister. “You need some time out, to come back to who I am. This is relaxing.”

As the yacht reached the bay, the sails went up. For these few precious hours, there was no call to action, no crisis to solve – only the freedom to watch the sunlight dance on the waves, to feel the warmth of companionship, to exist in a space where they, too, were cared for.

“Days like today are very important for carers, taking them away from the challenges of their caring role and allowing them to just unwind, relax, connect with each other, and enjoy the fresh, beautiful sea breeze and sunshine,” said Sharyn Tambo, Spectrum Carer Services Coordinator. “It also allows them to experience something for the first time.”

Dee, who cares for her mother-in-law, agreed. “Today was absolutely beautiful. It was serene and very much needed. I didn’t think I needed it until I stepped on and we took off.”

By the time the yacht returned to shore, we were all a little weary from the fresh air. But something had shifted. Shoulders sat a little lighter – perhaps the weight of caring had been lifted momentarily? As we carried the memory of our sailing experience, we were reminded that even in the most selfless of roles, moments of respite are not just deserved but necessary.

At Spectrum, we honour carers for the quiet strength they carry. And today, we took them to the water – to remind them that they, too, are worthy of care.

Bernadette Garcia, Head of Marketing & Communications
Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre

Our afternoon on the bay was made possible thanks to the Making Waves Foundation, a charity providing unique on-water experiences for young people with disabilities, people experiencing disadvantage, and family carers. Our heartfelt thanks to our fabulous crew: Captain Doug, Judi, Denis, Ian and Christine.

Find out more about our Support for Carers Program