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 Toby
Knocked down by a drunk driver in an horrific road accident, Toby sustained serious brain damage and spent six months in hospital. He is now beginning to rebuild his life by getting involved in Cowes Sailability Club.
Meet Matthew
Using sign language to communicate, Matthew is an enthusiastic and social member of Cowes Sailability Club. He loves to take charge of the helm during boating trips and wishes he could sail all year round!
Meet Simon
Blind since the age of 11, Simon O’Connor has discovered “a whole new world” since joining Cowes Sailability Club. He has regained confidence, made friends and become an enthusiastic sailor.
Meet Samuel
Eighteen-year-old Samuel had the time of his life when his mum arranged a surprise boating trip for him with Cowes Sailability Club. Unimpeded by his learning difficulties, he enjoyed new experiences, learned helming skills and even had an ice cream.
Meet Wendy
When Wendy was born prematurely with cerebral palsy, doctors told her family that she would never learn to walk – but she did and now she is also learning to sail. An enthusiastic member of Cowes Sailability Club, she has formed new friendships and grown in confidence through boating and sailing.
Meet Jenny
When she was unexpectedly diagnosed with a rare joint condition, Jenny thought she would have to say goodbye to her dreams of sailing trips around the Isle of Wight. But, with Cowes Sailability Club’s support and encouragement, her dreams are now coming true.
Meet Bill
After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Bill used to take round trips on the car ferry to Southampton, just for the pleasure of being on the sea. Now he can actually dip his hands in the waves while sailing and boating with Cowes Sailability Club.
Meet Eric
Blind for nearly 50 years, Eric nonetheless lives a full life. Between supporting Charlton Athletics and collecting railway memorabilia, he enjoys nothing more than sailing with Cowes Sailability Club.
Meet Andy
Sport of all kinds had been a major part of Andy’s life until he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and became confined to a wheelchair. Through Cowes Sailability Club, he has discovered a passion for a new sport and gained all the rewards of being part of a team again.
Meet Paul
A lifelong sailing enthusiast, Paul Scivier was devastated when he had to give up his favourite pastime after being diagnosed with Huntington’s disease. Now, however, he is back on the water with the support of Cowes Sailability Club, and being encouraged to helm again alongside his wife and daughters.
Meet Danielle
Challenged with a severe sight impairment, Danielle Burgess never thought she would sail or helm a motorboat. But the volunteers at Cowes Sailability Club are her eyes and she enjoys nothing more than racing through the waves with the wind and salty spray in her face.
The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service
Royal Yachting Association (RYA)
