Yamaha Motor Australia say they were proud to recently take part in a unique White Ribbon Day event held on the waters of the iconic Sydney Harbour. The event, that included Yamaha WaveRunners and Yamaha Motor Australia staff members, was used to raise funds and awareness for the White Ribbon Charity.
Through its work with various maritime government departments, Yamaha Motor Australia was invited to take part, riding alongside members of NSW Maritime, Surf Life Saving NSW, Marine Rescue NSW, and Port Authority NSW.
With more than 20 years passing since personal watercraft were banned from Sydney Harbour, the day provided a rare opportunity for 50 PWC pilots – under the direction of NSW Maritime officials – to ride under the iconic Harbour Bridge at a speed of four knots, before passing by the world-famous sails of the Sydney Opera House. Throughout the ride, the pilots remained in perfect formation, generating a large white ribbon on the blue water canvas of Sydney Harbour.
Helping to build the floating white ribbon were three WaveRunner-mounted Yamaha Motor Australia staff members, Brodie Davidson, Jason Cowley, and Marc Ward. All three attracted sponsorship donations from friends, family, and fellow YMA staff members, helping to contribute to the almost $20,000 the event raised.
Further showing its support, Yamaha Motor Australia donated $250 to each of the three YMA staff entrants, as well as matching all YMA staff donations dollar for dollar.
Also receiving special permission to be within the Harbour Exclusion Zone for the event was Corey Hillsley at the helm of the Yamaha External Training boat, with YMA Managing Director, Tom Okamoto, acting as the first mate.
Speaking after the event, Mr Okamoto said he was honoured to have Yamaha Motor Australia take part in such an important occasion.
“It is our corporate social responsibility to use the Yamaha name to assist with raising funds and awareness for important initiatives such as White Ribbon Day,” he said. “I’m also personally proud to see so many Yamaha Motor Australia staff showing their support to see an end to domestic violence by donating to the fundraising accounts set up by Marc, Jason, and Brodie. It was an amazing sight to see the personal watercrafts working as one to create a giant white ribbon. The teamwork of the riders resonates with one of Yamaha’s five brand pillars, Ties.”
