John Calvert-Jones AM and Janet Calvert-Jones AC to support the future of SailLAB
Australian Sailing is delighted to announce that long-time Australian Sailing Team Patron and passionate supporters of the sport, John Calvert-Jones AM and Janet Calvert-Jones AC, have committed financial support to the organisation's innovative SailLAB initiative.
A founding force behind the Australian Sailing Team Patrons program, John has played a significant role in supporting Australia's high-performance sailors for many years. His latest commitment with wife Janet represents an exciting extension of that support, helping to bring the values and benefits of sailing into classrooms and learning environments across the country.
SailLAB is Australian Sailing's education-focused initiative, designed to engage students through sailing-inspired learning experiences that build critical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving and STEM capabilities. By connecting the sport of sailing with educational outcomes, SailLAB is helping young Australians develop skills that will benefit them both on and off the water.
SailLAB in Action
Australian Sailing Chief Executive Officer Malcolm Page OAM welcomed the announcement and acknowledged the Calvert-Jones' longstanding contribution to the sport.
"John has been an extraordinary supporter of Australian sailing for many years. As the founder of our Patrons program, his vision and generosity have helped countless athletes pursue their dreams on the world stage. We are incredibly grateful that he and Janet are now extending that support to SailLAB, helping us inspire and educate the next generation through the power of sailing.
“With over 40 schools across Australia already committed to teaching SailLAB lessons in 2026, the program is set to reach over 1,800 students in only its second year. To continue developing new resources, supporting teachers and expanding access to schools across the country to access the program, we need financial support which is where John and Janet have stepped up.”
John said he was excited by the opportunity SailLAB presents to broaden the sport's impact.
"SailLAB presents a wonderful opportunity to take the lessons and values of our sport beyond the waterfront and into schools and communities. Janet and I are pleased to support an initiative that can help young people develop confidence, curiosity and valuable life skills.
“We are also excited about the opportunity to help grow science and technology in schools, particularly through a program like SailLAB which uses sailing as the enabler for that experience.”
The contribution will assist Australian Sailing in expanding the reach and impact of SailLAB, enabling more staff to support the growth of the program, ensuring all interested schools can take part. It will also allow those staff to create engaging educational resources inspired by sailing for students, teachers and schools to access.
Australian Sailing also encourages members of the sailing community, supporters of education, and those passionate about creating opportunities for young Australians to contribute to the future growth of SailLAB through the Australian Sports Foundation fundraising campaign.
"John and Janet’s support provides an important boost for SailLAB, but the long-term success of the program will be built through a community of supporters who share our vision,” continued Page.
“We encourage anyone who believes in the power of sailing and education to join us in helping SailLAB reach even more young Australians."
To support the future growth of SailLAB, contributions can be made through the Australian Sports Foundation SailLAB project page.
