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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Bill used to take round trips on the car ferry to Southampton, just for the pleasure of being on the sea. Now he can actually dip his hands in the waves while sailing and boating with Cowes Sailability Club.

Blind for nearly 50 years, Eric nonetheless lives a full life. Between supporting Charlton Athletics and collecting railway memorabilia, he enjoys nothing more than sailing with Cowes Sailability Club.

Sport of all kinds had been a major part of Andy’s life until he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and became confined to a wheelchair. Through Cowes Sailability Club, he has discovered a passion for a new sport and gained all the rewards of being part of a team again.

A lifelong sailing enthusiast, Paul Scivier was devastated when he had to give up his favourite pastime after being diagnosed with Huntington’s disease. Now, however, he is back on the water with the support of Cowes Sailability Club, and being encouraged to helm again alongside his wife and daughters.