Two great awards for making a difference

Cowes Sailability Club has been presented with not one but two esteemed awards!  Both recognise the charity’s contribution to improving the lives of disabled people on the Isle of Wight.  

On September 1^st 2025, Cowes Sailability Club received the coveted Impact Award from the Royal Sailing Association (RYA).  Presented by Mike Samuelson, a member of the RYA South Management Group, the award acknowledges that Cowes Sailability Club has made a significant, positive difference in boating by promoting inclusivity.

Just days later, on September 9^th 2025, Cowes Sailability Club was proud to receive ‘Highly Commended’ in the BBC Radio Solent Make a Difference Awards.  In a ceremony in Portsmouth, the charity was applauded for its achievements in the ‘active’ category, which recognises individuals or groups of people who have used physical activity or sport as a way of improving the lives of those in their community. 

“More than anything else, these awards are a testament to the hard work and commitment of our incredible volunteers,” says Roger Sutton, Cowes Sailability Club’s Commodore.  “Cowes Sailability Club simply wouldn’t exist without the wonderful team of local people who give up their time to help make sailing and boating accessible to disabled people on the Isle of Wight.  I am absolutely delighted that BBC Radio Solent and the RYA have recognised what a difference our volunteers make.” 

Cowes Sailability Club was nominated for the BBC Radio Solent award by Faye Fearnley, a young woman with impaired mobility who has really embraced all the fun of sailing since becoming a member.  She is able to leave her wheelchair on the pontoon, board a sailing boat with assistance from volunteers and get actively involved on board. 

Speaking in an interview with BBC Radio Solent, Faye said: “Being out on the water I can just forget about my disabilities and just sail and be like a normal person.”

Faye Fearnley with Paralympian Aaron Phipps at the BBC Radio Solent Make a Difference Award ceremony

Proud recipients of the BBC Radio Solent Make a Difference Award (left to right): Chrissie Smyth, Richard and Faye Fearnley and Trish Rooke