Sailability – Disabled People Can Sail

Mark is a trustee of RAID and is a wheelchair user. After meeting another RAID trustee and keen sailor he decided to give sailing a go with Queen Mary’s Sailability group, specifically designed to encourage Disabled people to have a go at sailing. Here’s what Mark had to say:

“If you’d like to try sailing, then I totally recommend Sailability which is based at Queen Mary’s Reservoir, near Sunbury. It’s easy to get to, with plenty of accessible parking near the clubhouse and offers a fantastic hour on the water, whatever your disability.

They have a selection of specially adapted boats designed for people with limited mobility and sessions are staffed by qualified and trained volunteers. If you’re able they’ll help you with sailing and steering.

Getting on and off the boat is relatively easy – everyone is well practised in helping people onto the pontoon and a personal hoist enables people with physical disabilities to get into boats – I had no problem at all. You can travel to the pontoon in your own wheelchair or if you’re able to transfer, there’s a selection of rugged wheelchairs enabling you to get down and on to the boats.

Sessions run every Thursday afternoon between April and the end of October from 2.30 to 4pm.The first taster session is free and further sessions cost £5. I’d recommend booking in advance by emailing: QMSailability@gmail.com

I was so well looked after it made the whole afternoon an absolute dream!”