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 Richard
Left with limited mobility following an accident at home, retired vet Richard Griffiths is now confined to a wheelchair. Boating trips organised by Cowes Sailability Club give him a great deal of pleasure, even in wet and windy weather.
Meet Myles
For the last six years, Myles and his mum Sarah have been able to enjoy boating trips organised by Cowes Sailability Club during the Cowes Week Regatta – and year after year Myles almost bursts with happiness and excitement.
Meet William
William is a pupil at a secondary school for children with learning difficulties and complex needs on the Isle of Wight. He and his classmates love the excitement of boating trips organised by Cowes Sailability Club.
Meet Nigel
Stroke survivor Nigel Haward and his wife Jenny have taken part in two boating trips facilitated by Cowes Sailability Club.
Meet David
Julie Bell took part in one of Cowes Sailability Club’s excursions during Cowes Week with her 24-year old son David, who is non-verbal, epileptic and wheelchair-bound.
Meet Sue
As one of the founding members of the club, Sue Harold has been enjoying sailing and boating trips with Cowes Sailability for over 15 years. She enjoys socialising with members, always accompanied by her guide dog Ula.
Meet Toby
Knocked down by a drunk driver in an horrific road accident, Toby sustained serious brain damage and spent six months in hospital. He is now beginning to rebuild his life by getting involved in Cowes Sailability Club.
Meet Matthew
Using sign language to communicate, Matthew is an enthusiastic and social member of Cowes Sailability Club. He loves to take charge of the helm during boating trips and wishes he could sail all year round!
Meet Simon
Blind since the age of 11, Simon O’Connor has discovered “a whole new world” since joining Cowes Sailability Club. He has regained confidence, made friends and become an enthusiastic sailor.
Meet Samuel
Eighteen-year-old Samuel had the time of his life when his mum arranged a surprise boating trip for him with Cowes Sailability Club. Unimpeded by his learning difficulties, he enjoyed new experiences, learned helming skills and even had an ice cream.
Meet Wendy
When Wendy was born prematurely with cerebral palsy, doctors told her family that she would never learn to walk – but she did and now she is also learning to sail. An enthusiastic member of Cowes Sailability Club, she has formed new friendships and grown in confidence through boating and sailing.
Meet Jenny
When she was unexpectedly diagnosed with a rare joint condition, Jenny thought she would have to say goodbye to her dreams of sailing trips around the Isle of Wight. But, with Cowes Sailability Club’s support and encouragement, her dreams are now coming true.
The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service
Royal Yachting Association (RYA)
