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 Evan
Although Evan cannot communicate verbally, his facial expressions say just how much he enjoys boating trips organised by Cowes Sailability Club.
Meet Zach
Boating trips facilitated by Cowes Sailability Club are the highlight of Zach’s year!
Meet Chris
After surviving three strokes, Chris is enjoying boating and making new friends as a member of Cowes Sailability Club
Meet Toby
Adventure-loving Toby has proven that being non-verbal and having autism are no obstacles to becoming an experienced sailor!
Meet Kate
For 28-year old Kate, boat trips organised by Cowes Sailability Club are sensory experiences that she can enjoy with her assistance dog Tammy.
Meet Marilyn
For care home resident Marilyn, a boat trip organised by Cowes Sailability Club was the most fun she had had in ages!
Meet Caroline
With my disability, I never thought I would be able to sail again. However, through Cowes Sailability Club, I have had the amazing opportunity to go on day-long sailing trips on a 34-foot sailing yacht, the Spirit of Scott Bader.
Meet Stephen
Determined that his life will not be limited by his wheelchair, Stephen has enjoyed opportunities to helm a 35-foot sailing yacht.
Meet Amy
After recovering from COVID-19 and enduring months of self-isolation, wheelchair user Amy Wheeler is delighted to be back out on the water with Cowes Sailability again.
Meet Luke
Luke Brimecome escaped the crowds during the Cowes Week Regatta and had fun on a motor boat trip arranged by Cowes Sailability Club. Read what his Mum Joy says…
Meet the Thorne family
Kate Thorne has two children who are on the autistic spectrum, and they both benefited in different ways from taking part in boating trips with Cowes Sailability Club.
Meet Marie
93-year-old Marie was one of a group of five people with dementia and other age-related medical conditions, from the Tile House care home in Shanklin, who went on a power-boat trip facilitated by Cowes Sailability Club.
The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service
Royal Yachting Association (RYA)
