Our sailing boat Windhover will soon be in the water for the 2017 season, thanks to a generous donation from the ferry company Wightlink.

Windhover
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Cowes Sailability Club has received a donation of £1,000 from Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries which will cover the mooring costs for the club’s sailing boat Windhover this year.  Adults and young people with physical disabilities, learning difficulties and long term conditions will be able to enjoy trips on Windhover during club sessions and special events throughout the spring and summer months.

The grant from Wightlink will also enable Cowes Sailability Club to purchase four new life jackets to help ensure the safety of club members and volunteers when they set sail in Windhover.

“As an enthusiastic sailor myself I know how valuable it is for people to get on to the water and learn to sail,” says Wightlink Chief Executive Keith Greenfield. “I’m delighted this grant will help make a difference to members of the Cowes Sailability Club.”

The welcome donation was administered by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation, an organisation that awards grants on behalf of companies, individuals and trusts across the two counties. “We specialise in awarding grants to small charities and community groups who offer the support, services and activities that can really make a difference to local people’s lives,” says Jakes Ferguson, CEO at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation.  “Cowes Sailability Club is a perfect example of a group that is making life-enhancing opportunities available to people who face incredible personal challenges.”

Trish Rooke, Fund Raising Officer for Cowes Sailability Club says, “Windhover is really popular with members, who can forget their disabilities for an hour or two and enjoy the freedom of being able to sail on the Solent.  We are incredibly grateful to Wightlink and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation for covering what is one of our largest annual costs for Windhover.”

Read more about Windhover and Cowes Sailability Club’s other boats here.