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Cowes Sailability Club’s sailing boats have returned to the water ready for the new sailing season

Now that spring is here, Cowes Sailability Club is recommencing its accessible sailing activities for adults with disabilities. The charity has put its three sailing boats back in the water and is encouraging disabled islanders to sign up now to take part in weekly sailing sessions.

Places are available for disabled people who have sailed previously with Cowes Sailability Club, as well as newcomers with no prior experience who would like to give sailing a try for the first time. Plenty of support will be provided by Cowes Sailability Club’s friendly team of volunteers and free taster sessions can be booked by contacting [email protected].

“Sailing can be tremendously beneficial for people who have disabilities, giving them a real sense of freedom and adventure,” says Roger Sutton, Cowes Sailability Club’s Commodore. “Joining up with others and going out on the water regularly can also improve people’s mental well-being, bring them friendship and reduce their feelings of isolation.”

Cowes Sailability Club runs sailing activities on Monday afternoons and has three sailing boats, suitable for adults with a wide range of physical and learning disabilities or long-term medical conditions. The boats are helmed by experienced sailors, and a safety boat is always in the water to provide a helpful tow if needed.

On several Monday afternoons this year, Cowes Sailability Club will be chartering a wheelchair-chair accessible motorboat. People with poor mobility, who may not be able participate in sailing activities, can instead enjoy exhilarating boat trips through the Solent.

Belinda, who has Multiple Sclerosis, has been sailing and boating with Cowes Sailability Club for a couple of years. “I have been able to enjoy being on the sea – something I would never have dreamed would be possible,” she says. “Learning a little about sailing and doing something completely new has been amazing, together with experiencing the feeling of the waves, wind and spray. It has been delightful to meet with others with disabilities, and the volunteers, all united through the thrill of sailing!”

Disabled adults can partake in sailing activities and boat trips on Monday afternoons for an annual membership fee of just £45. Life jackets are provided, and volunteers are on hand every week to provide any assistance that people might need, as well as warm drinks and biscuits!

Through membership of Cowes Sailability Club, people with disabilities have access to other activities throughout the year, including opportunities to go on day-long sailing adventures on a wheelchair-accessible, 36-foot sailing yacht. Cowes Sailability Club also arranges social events, including a popular summer barbecue.