Sussex Sailability

What is Sailability?

Sailability was set up by the Royal Yachting Association to enable disabled people to sail. Sussex Yacht Club has set up a local branch called Sussex Sailability. With the aid of a National Lottery Grant the clubhouse had been adapted with disabled changing facilities a lift and proper access throughout. The fleet was also financed by lottery grants.

We have a fleet of boats that are be suitable for a disabled person to sail or to crew. Seven Access’ dinghies single-handed small boats and three Sports 16 dinghies, which can carry up to, five people. These boats are speciality designed for people with disabilities and are relatively stable. We also have a Drascombe Lugger, which is very stable and which is good for those who are a bit concerned about the water.  We now have 2 SONAR 23ft open keelboats which are highly competitive racing machines but can also be taken out for cruises. We race them with the Sussex Yacht Club fleet. We have a hoist to help people who would find it too difficult to get in or out of a dinghy on their own and a range of buoyancy aids and waterproof clothing. We have a lot of enthusiastic volunteers who will make sure you get the best out of your time with us.

Sailability ran sixteen sessions for disabled people last year as well as a Sailing week at which tuition was given to club members. In addition the Sonars sailed independently for 30 days including local races and competing in Cowes Week. There are volunteers to help rig, launch, recover, wash and put away the boats and also to assist the less proficient on the water (More are always welcome!). We ran inshore and cruising session for a total of 90 disabled people.

A number of sailors who started with the Sailability sessions now sail regularly with the able-boded dinghy racing section of the club. Four members of Sailability have also qualified in the RYA powerboat level II course. Over the year we have had a variety of disabilities: learning difficulties, hearing impaired, sight impaired and wheelchair users.

Sailability sailors can attend for up to three free sessions and then join the club at a special rate and are encouraged to participate in all of its social functions. For disabled institutions we also run a group scheme where by a fixed number of their members can attend at any one time.

 Why not visit the Sussex Sailability website:  http://www.sussexsailability.org.uk/

Registered Charity
No. 1089576