The 2023 sailing season has commenced and new members and volunteers are welcome.
People with physical disabilities, learning difficulties and debilitating medical conditions on the Isle of Wight are setting sail once again. Cowes Sailability Club’s 2023 season has commenced and a range of accessible sailing and boating activities are now taking place weekly.
Belinda joined Cowes Sailability Club last year for the first time and is looking forward to participating in sailing and motorboating trips again this year. After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Belinda needed to use a wheelchair and was unable to participate in many of the occupations and hobbies that she loved, including sea swimming. Since being introduced to Cowes Sailability Club, however, she has been able to experience a new sport and make many new friends.
“It seemed that my life was becoming increasingly limited in the things I could enjoy…. That is, until I was introduced to Sailability!” she says. “What a wonderful, exciting and exhilarating experience it has been to participate in sailing for the first time! Thanks to the tireless support of the many volunteers, who willingly offer their help and expertise with great kindness and good humour, I have been able to enjoy being on the sea – something I would never have dreamed would be possible.”
Cowes Sailability Club’s Commodore Roger Sutton says: “It’s great to be back on the water again. I have really enjoyed getting together with familiar faces from last season, as well as meeting new people who are joining us this year for the first time, either as members or as volunteers.”
New members and volunteers are aways welcome and more information can be obtained by contacting [email protected].
Supported sailing activities take place every Monday afternoon until September for people with disabilities who are members of Cowes Sailability Club. In addition, regular trips on a wheelchair-accessible powerboat and day sails on a wheelchair-accessible yacht are arranged throughout the year. More information and a schedule of activities can be found here: https://www.cowessailability.co.uk/calendar/.