Brendan’s home on the high seas

THE Queen’s Baton passed through 3800 sets of hands on its journey from Buckingham Palace to the Gold Coast with many of the individuals’ stories a source of inspiration.

None more so than the hundreds of baton bearers who have battled hardships in their sporting endeavours or life in general.

Brendan Hain, one of the final carriers before the baton reached Carrara Stadium, is one such case.

Hain, 37, has cerebral palsy, but has found his calling on the water as a sailor.

After a near drowning when he was a toddler, taking up sailing 17 years ago has given Hain a new lease on life.

Father Gary Hain said seeing his son carry the baton on his custom-made sailboat was something he’ll never forget.

“We’re all on a high – we’ve been waiting for the day,” Hain said.

“He’s really stoked about it, from when he was nominated to when he was chosen to be a relay bearer, he’s been really good.”

Mr Hain said they were initially anxious to let their son try sailing through Gold Coast disability support group Sailability, but Brendan’s skills proved he’s a natural.

“It’s taken a long time and we’ve been a bit apprehensive, but he’s a very good sailor,” Mr Hain said.

“He’s tried all sorts of sports that he can, and sailing’s the first one he can get out, be independent and do his own thing.

“It’s been really great. “This will really be taking him over the moon.

“He’s a good sailor in his own right, he does have a lot of disabilities physically, but mentally he’s really good.”

Hain said Sailability had been incredibly supportive in helping Brendan take up the sport.

“They’ve been take my hat off guys,” Hain said.

“They work hard, they put their own time in to it which they’re not paid for, they are marvelous.

“We’re very proud.” great. I to those