AMTA CEO Chris Althaus presents the winner's trophy to the victorious Nokia Care crew yesterday at the Telco Charity Sailing Challenge at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Sydney.

Fair breezes and sunny weather made for a spectacular day on Sydney Harbour yesterday for AMTA’s Telco Charity Sailing Challenge, which was won by Nokia Care, and raised more than $35,000 for charity.

A dozen boats participated in the Sailing Challenge, which was conducted by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in ideal sailing conditions with a 12-14 knot nor’ easterly seabreeze. Nokia Care won the day from CFM and Crazy John’s in third place.

Organisers were pleased that the charity event raised about $35,000 for the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, a national charity which aims to protect children from violence, and the Salvation Army’s Oasis Youth Support Network, which helps disadvantaged and disconnected young people rebuild their lives.

AMTA Chief Executive Officer, Chris Althaus, said the Sailing Challenge not only provided an opportunity for members of our industry to get away from the office to meet and network with their peers in a fun and friendly setting, it, very importantly, was a day committed to charity.

“AMTA, on behalf of its member companies, strives to promote the safe and responsible use of mobile phones,” he said. “Unfortunately, cyber bullying is a high-profile example of the misuse of mobile telecommunications technology,” he said at the prize-giving ceremony after the race.

“AMTA works with schools, parents, education departments and bodies such as the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, which is dedicated to keeping children safe from violence, to tackle cyber bullying.

“The other very worthy recipient of today’s sailing challenge is the Salvation Army’s Oasis youth support network, which does very important work in assisting homeless youth to get back on their feet.

“I, on behalf of AMTA, thank you all for taking the time out of your day to be part of this event and support for two very worthy causes.

“Last but not least, I acknowledge our sponsors, without whom this event would not be possible. Please join me in extending a big vote of thanks to Nokia and John McCreedie, whose hard work has made this event possible.

“Also, we acknowledge our other sponsors – Audi; Line 7; Small Luxury Hotels of the World. And thanks to the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.”