Name

Making Waves Foundation

Legal name

Making Waves Foundation Ltd

Website

https://makingwaves.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Adaptive Sailing Programs

NAICS

Marinas (713930)

SIC

Water Transportation (4400)

akta.pro primary industry

Sailing Experiences (Lessons, Regattas, Day Sails) (THAJAJAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Water & Marine Guiding Services (Kayak, Canoe, Raft, SUP, Sailing) (THAAALAB)

Keywords

• Adaptive sailing programs
• Disability inclusion sailing
• Youth maritime education
• Accessible yacht programs
• Nonprofit sailing foundation

Headquarters

HQ city

Darling Point, New South Wales

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices6 records

Markets served

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Sponsorships: Individual and corporate donations fund free sailing programs for participants with disabilities and social disadvantage. Corporate sponsors can sponsor children ($250), schools ($3,750), or entire programs. The foundation also receives grants from government and private foundations.
2. Government and Private Grants: Federal Government grants (including ILC Federal Grant), state government grants, and private foundation funding support program expansion and operations. A major Federal Government grant was secured for 2025 and 2026.
3. Event Revenue: Annual Charity Regatta (corporate yacht bookings from $3,500, spectator tickets $200, solo sailor tickets $250, after-party tickets $300) and Rolex Sydney to Hobart race participation generate both funds and awareness.
4. Volunteer Membership Fees: Annual $55 volunteer membership fee covers uniform, insurance, training, and administrative costs for volunteers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Making Waves Foundation is an Australian not-for-profit charitable organisation that delivers free on-water sailing experiences for young people with disabilities and those experiencing social disadvantage. Programs are run from five Australian ports (Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne, Geelong) on a fleet of modified ocean-racing yachts adapted for wheelchair access, with skilled volunteer crews. The foundation also operates the Wright of Passage boat-building program for at-risk youth and runs fundraising events including an annual Charity Regatta and the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race campaign.

Product overview

Making Waves Foundation is an Australian registered not-for-profit charitable organization providing sailing programs for young people with disabilities or experiencing disadvantage. The organization operates a portfolio of sailing programs including Winds of Joy (wheelchair-accessible ocean racing experiences), Winds of Change (8-week school program), Winds of Change Lite (condensed 6-week variant), Wright of Passage (boat-building trade skills), Winds of Care (carer respite), Winds of Strength (Indigenous youth program), and Winds of Inspiration (advanced racing). Programs are delivered from five ports (Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne, Geelong) using a fleet of modified racing yachts. The organization also runs an annual Charity Regatta and participates in the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Internal operations are supported by the HELM Portal volunteer management system.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Winds of Joy Sailing experiences on modified ocean racing yachts for young people with disabilities. Yachts feature wheelchair-accessible modifications (reinforced aft decks, pad eyes, raised stanchions, lifeline netting, removed travellers, smaller wheels, furling headsails), accommodating wheelchair users and providing an empowering on-water experience delivered with skilled volunteer crews.
• Winds of Change Eight-week sailing program (one day per week) for school students exhibiting challenging behaviors and diverse learning abilities, particularly those at risk of disengaging from education. Participants learn to crew a large racing yacht, developing teamwork, communication, and confidence. Lifeline Northern Beaches independent evaluation documented 90%+ attendance, 100% feeling accepted, 89% strongly enjoying the program, and reductions in DASS-21 stress scores.
• Winds of Change Lite Condensed version of the Winds of Change program delivered over 4-6 weeks instead of 8-10 weeks. Designed for schools requiring a shorter program structure while delivering similar engagement, teamwork, and confidence-building outcomes.
• Wright of Passage Maritime trade skills program for young people aged 15-18 disengaged or at risk of disengaging from traditional schooling. Participants construct sailing dinghies from plywood in a workshop environment 1-2 days per week during school terms for up to four terms, developing confidence, work-ready attitudes, and technical skills that have led to boat builder apprenticeships for graduates.
• Winds of Care Respite program offering unpaid carers of individuals with disabilities a 2-3 hour sailing experience on Sydney Harbour. Provides relaxation, peer networking, and recognition for unpaid caregivers who form the backbone of community care.
• Winds of Strength Sailing program focusing on inclusion and support of Indigenous youth groups, including participation in the weekly Twilight Series races. Integrates Indigenous culture and communities into MWF activities, with active delivery to groups such as the Clontarf Foundation and CareerLinks Yakka Program.
• Winds of Inspiration Advanced sailing and racing program for participants who have progressed through Winds of Change or Winds of Strength and wish to challenge themselves further. Includes participation in Twilight Racing Series hosted by affiliated yacht clubs.
• Annual Charity Regatta Annual yacht racing event on Sydney Harbour held at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. Corporate teams book yachts ($3,500+) or individuals join as solo sailors ($250), spectators ($200), or after-party guests ($300). Proceeds fund MWF programs.
• Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Campaign Annual participation in the prestigious Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, with a crew that is 50% people living with disability. Corporate sponsors support individual crew members ($3,500 each) and naming rights. Now in its 24th campaign.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% of students felt accepted for who they were and their abilities each week (Lifeline evaluation, Winds of Change)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

34 partnerships are on record, tiered core, key and supporting.

• Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCYCA has been MWF's home base in Sydney since 1995. MWF's program yacht Kayle is berthed there. CYCA hosts the annual Making Waves Regatta and MWF's headquarters office is co-located at the CYCA facility in Darling Point.
• Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRQYS has been MWF's Brisbane base since February 2023. Hosts The Tribe and MWF's Brisbane programs including Winds of Joy, Winds of Change Lite, and Winds of Inspiration. 37 WoJ sails delivered in 2024 with 265 participants.
• Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club (NCYC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNCYC has been MWF's Newcastle base since 2022. Hosts Joy and programs including Winds of Joy, Winds of Change, Winds of Change Lite, Winds of Strength, Wright of Passage, and Winds of Inspiration. 828 participants served in 2024.
• Geelong West Beach Boat ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGWBBC hosts MWF's Geelong operations including Wot Eva. Programs include Winds of Joy, Wright of Passage, Winds of Strength, and Winds of Inspiration. Wright of Passage expanded here with Montague Naval Whaler 'Little Malop' restoration partnership.
• Docklands Yacht ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDocklands Yacht Club has been MWF's Melbourne base since 2016. Hosts Ninety Seven and programs including Winds of Joy and Winds of Change Lite. 711 participants served in 2024.
• The Primary Club of AustraliakeyGTM or Marketing PartnerPrimary Club of Australia provided sponsorship for the 2026 Rolex Sydney to Hobart campaign, contributing to offshore kits, onshore apparel, and lifejackets for crew through Marine Plus.
• GILL Marine / Marine PluskeyGTM or Marketing PartnerGILL Marine through Marine Plus provided crew equipment sponsorship for the 2026 Sydney to Hobart campaign including offshore kits, onshore apparel, and lifejackets.
• Bartons Motor GroupkeyGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor Brisbane sponsor; donated $54,000 in the past 18 months including $24,500 for Winds of Change Lite program launch. Managing Director Mark Beitz is a former student of Wynnum State High School.
• ASX Refinitiv Charity FoundationkeyGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership since 2017. Annual charity raffle with goal of $10,000 in ticket sales. Mazda 2, MacBook Air, and Apple Watch offered as prizes. Supports MWF's fundraising efforts.
• NetLinkzsupportingTechnology or IntegrationProvided Starlink technology for the 2023 Rolex Sydney to Hobart race, enabling MWF crew to broadcast live throughout the race and enhance spectator experience.
• Lifeline Northern BeacheskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerConducted independent evaluation of Winds of Change program using observational data, pre and post questionnaires, and focus groups. Evaluation documented 90%+ attendance, reduced stress scores, and positive outcomes for at-risk adolescents.
• Noakes GroupsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerDonated a 20-ft container for the Wright of Passage workshop at Woolwich Dock in Sydney.
• Concord Ryde Sailing ClubsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerWright of Passage sailing sessions held at Concord Ryde Sailing Club on alternate fortnights, complementing workshop sessions at Woolwich Dock.
• International Pacific SurgerysupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerNational partner providing support to MWF.
• Port Waratah CoalsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerNational partner providing support to MWF.
• Survitec GroupsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerNational partner providing marine safety equipment support.
• RonstansupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerNational partner providing sailing hardware/marine equipment support.
• ZhiksupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerNational partner providing sailing apparel/equipment support.
• Australian Marine Tech (AMT)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal partner providing marine technical support.
• Woolwich DocksupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosts Wright of Passage workshop at Woolwich. Container donated by Noakes Group, workshop operates 2 days per week.
• CareerLinks Yakka ProgramsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDelivered Inspirational Immersion Day with MWF in Newcastle for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, introducing marina, hospitality, boating, and sailing industries.
• Beaufort Group / Ocean Safety SolutionssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerMarine safety partner providing support to MWF.
• YachtsharesupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerMarine partner providing support to MWF.
• Marine Safety WorkssupportingTechnology or IntegrationMarine safety technology partner supporting 2026 Sydney to Hobart campaign.
• PredictWindsupportingTechnology or IntegrationWeather forecasting technology partner supporting 2026 Sydney to Hobart campaign.
• Festival of SailskeyGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual festival partner; MWF participated in 183rd Passage Race and SheSails Women on Water Breakfast. MWF exhibited and showcased Wright of Passage boats.
• Sail Port StephenskeyGTM or Marketing PartnerMWF participated in offshore race and Commodores Cup; Joy won Pantaenius Team Cup and Commodores Cup Perpetual Trophy.
• Brisbane Race WeekkeyGTM or Marketing PartnerMWF was celebrated with a Making History Breakfast and a dedicated charity day. 'Making Waves Monday' passage race raised funds for Brisbane program expansion.
• Derwent Sailing SquadronsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted MWF Kayle for the 2024 Hobart Campaign, delivering 16 programs to approximately 200 participants following the Sydney to Hobart race.
• Australian Wooden Boat FestivalkeyGTM or Marketing PartnerMWF showcased Wright of Passage at the 2025 festival, constructing a Rainbow Dinghy live on-site and raffling a completed dinghy. MWF also participated in 2019 with the restored Wright of Passage Mercator.
• Mat Belcher OAMsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerOlympic sailing champion and MWF Ambassador, promoting MWF's mission and programs.
• Malcolm Turnbull ACsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerFormer Prime Minister of Australia and MWF Patron, providing high-profile support and advocacy for the foundation.
• John Bertrand AOsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerAustralia II America's Cup winning skipper and MWF Patron, providing sailing industry advocacy and support.
• Newcastle KnightssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerNRL team whose players (including Jesse Southwell) participated as guest speakers at the CareerLinks Yakka Immersion Day, inspiring Indigenous students.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Wetwheels Foundation: UK-based charity operating wheelchair-accessible powerboats for disabled people. Compares directly on accessible vessel design and inclusion-focused on-water experiences.
• SailAbility UK: UK charity delivering sailing experiences for disabled and disadvantaged people using adapted boats and volunteer crews. Highly comparable model, target population, and free-to-participant delivery approach.
• Sailability Australia: Australian national network providing sailing opportunities for people with disabilities. Operates as the most direct domestic peer to Making Waves, sharing the disability-inclusion sailing mission and relying on volunteers and yacht clubs.
• Sailing Beyond Disability: Australian volunteer-run charity providing sailing experiences for people with disabilities in Victoria. Closely comparable regional peer with overlapping participant cohorts.

Broad incumbents

• Challenge Wales: Welsh charity delivering youth development voyages on a sailing vessel. Compares on the at-risk youth development and life-skills mission segment.
• Ocean Youth Trust: UK charity using sailing to develop young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Comparable target population (at-risk youth) and skill-building mission, though based outside Australia.
• Jubilee Sailing Trust: UK charity offering sailing adventures for people of all abilities on two tall ships. Comparable in mission (inclusive sailing) but operates larger-scale vessels and a broader adventure-experience model.
• Sail Canada - Able Sail Program: Canadian sailing federation's adaptive sailing program enabling disabled participation. Broader scope than MWF but directly comparable in mission and adaptive-vessel approach.

Others

• The Pushchair Project: Adaptive sailing initiatives in the UK focused on providing inclusive experiences for participants with mobility needs. Adjacent thematically but with a less-developed vessel-fleet model.

Regional players

• Disabled Sailing Association of NSW: NSW-focused peer organisation enabling people with disabilities to sail through accessible dinghies. Geographic overlap with MWF's home state but with a smaller dinghy-centric delivery model.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@makingwavesaus/featured
• Facebookfacebook.com/making.waves.foundation.aus
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/makingwavesfoundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/making.waves.foundation

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Making Waves Foundation