Inclusive sailing programme for disabled gets extra funding

Sunday 30 December 2018

Over the next few years, more disabled people will be able to enjoy time at sea, with help from the Lloyds Bank Foundation.

More than £13,000 from the Foundation, which will be used over three years, has meant the Sailing Trust can employ more members of staff who will help run extra sailing sessions for adults and children with special needs, disabilities or those who are disadvantaged.

The ‘Sailability’ sessions, which are designed for less able adults and children, are run using the Trust’s various boats throughout the summer from May through  to November. These include the Oppies on the Model Yacht Pond, Hawk20’s, which are comfortable and safe keelboats that allow sailors to explore Guernsey’s coast line, and an RS Venture Keelboat Connect, ‘Invictus’. 

Invictus is specifically designed to help people of all levels of mobility get out on the water, with bucket seats to hold the sailors securely and all the boat controls able to be reached from one position. 

To make the whole sailing experience simple and safe, the Trust has wheelchair access right to the water's edge via a ramp and pontoon at the end of the Albert Pier and a hoist, with qualified operators, to gently lower the sailors in and out of the boats. 

Rich Klein, the Principal of the Trust, said: “Being out on the water, in a sailing boat, offers a great feeling of independence and adventure, and one of the best things about the sport is that it can be made accessible and inclusive for all.

"Our Sailability sessions are in such high demand throughout the summer, it’s been a great help to employ additional staff, which allow us to continue to add more sessions with thanks to the Lloyds Bank Foundation. We see first hand the results of getting people out on the water, no matter their physical or mental ability, and it is so rewarding to see a spark in their eyes as they experience time out at sea. We look forward to rolling out many more sessions over the next couple of years.”

Jo Le Poidevin, Executive Director at Lloyds Bank Foundation, added that they were proud to support the programme, as it made sailing fully inclusive for every islander.

Pictured: An Invictus sailing in Havlet.