A positive impact on lives!
The opportunities provided by Cowes Sailability Club have a really positive impact on the lives of people who face enormous challenges in their daily lives. The sailing and boating activities we offer allow participants with a wide range of disabilities to:
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Increase their self-esteem and confidence, by learning new skills in seamanship and helming
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Improve their health and feeling of wellbeing, by undertaking a physical activity and spending time outside in the fresh air
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Reduce their social isolation, by engaging with others in the community and making friends in a welcoming and accessible environment.
But don’t just take our word for it! Click on the stories below to hear direct from the many adults and young people with disabilities who have benefited from the services provided by Cowes Sailability Club.
Meet Caroline
With my disability, I never thought I would be able to sail again. However, through Cowes Sailability Club, I have had the amazing opportunity to go on day-long sailing trips on a 34-foot sailing yacht, the Spirit of Scott Bader.
Meet Stephen
Determined that his life will not be limited by his wheelchair, Stephen has enjoyed opportunities to helm a 35-foot sailing yacht.
Meet Amy
After recovering from COVID-19 and enduring months of self-isolation, wheelchair user Amy Wheeler is delighted to be back out on the water with Cowes Sailability again.
Meet Luke
Luke Brimecome escaped the crowds during the Cowes Week Regatta and had fun on a motor boat trip arranged by Cowes Sailability Club. Read what his Mum Joy says…
Meet the Thorne family
Kate Thorne has two children who are on the autistic spectrum, and they both benefited in different ways from taking part in boating trips with Cowes Sailability Club.
Meet Marie
93-year-old Marie was one of a group of five people with dementia and other age-related medical conditions, from the Tile House care home in Shanklin, who went on a power-boat trip facilitated by Cowes Sailability Club.
Meet Richard
Left with limited mobility following an accident at home, retired vet Richard Griffiths is now confined to a wheelchair. Boating trips organised by Cowes Sailability Club give him a great deal of pleasure, even in wet and windy weather.
Meet Myles
For the last six years, Myles and his mum Sarah have been able to enjoy boating trips organised by Cowes Sailability Club during the Cowes Week Regatta – and year after year Myles almost bursts with happiness and excitement.
Meet William
William is a pupil at a secondary school for children with learning difficulties and complex needs on the Isle of Wight. He and his classmates love the excitement of boating trips organised by Cowes Sailability Club.
Meet Nigel
Stroke survivor Nigel Haward and his wife Jenny have taken part in two boating trips facilitated by Cowes Sailability Club.
Meet David
Julie Bell took part in one of Cowes Sailability Club’s excursions during Cowes Week with her 24-year old son David, who is non-verbal, epileptic and wheelchair-bound.
Meet Sue
As one of the founding members of the club, Sue Harold has been enjoying sailing and boating trips with Cowes Sailability for over 15 years. She enjoys socialising with members, always accompanied by her guide dog Ula.
The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service
Royal Yachting Association (RYA)
