Skip To Content

More than sailing

Sailing is for everyone. Whatever your age, experience, or ability, there’s a place for you on the water

With the right support, sailing can be shaped entirely around you, at your pace that works for your abilities.

Sailing is more than just learning to handle a boat. It’s a chance to learn new skills, meet new people, and discover a sense of freedom and confidence you might not expect.

Getting started can feel like the biggest hurdle. It’s natural to have questions, to wonder how it will work, and to want reassurance that your needs will be met, but that’s where we come in. You bring your knowledge of what you need, and we bring our expertise in sailing. Together, we’ll find the right approach so you can step onboard with confidence and begin your journey on the water. 

Meet the sailors  

Sailing could be for you, but don’t just take our word for it. Meet some of the sailors who’ve benefited from getting out on the water. 

Logans story

Logan

Phil

Miles

Lucy

Sally

A yacht sailing through crashing waves

Findlay

Get started on the water

Disabled sailor Chris Emmet smiling on a boat

Join us near you

Find a Sailability venue

Learn with confidence 

RYA Recognised Training Centres are a great place to start. Every centre is inspected by the RYA and meets standards for safety, instruction and equipment, helping you feel supported from your very first session. 

Some training centres offer flexible “pay and play” sessions or courses, so you can try sailing without becoming a member, while others are based within local sailing clubs.  

Join a welcoming community 

Sailing clubs and organisations affiliated with the RYA welcome people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, offering opportunities to be part of a friendly and supportive community. Some groups have a local focus, while others specialise in particular disabilities or impairments. 

The RYA provides guidance on the policies and procedures we expect affiliated organisations to have in place, although each organisation manages these independently.  

Sailability venues 

When an organisation becomes part of the Sailability programme, they commit to breaking down barriers and making sailing accessible to everyone. Joining a network that shares knowledge, ideas and best practice to improve experiences on and off the water. 

Staff and volunteers understand that everyone’s needs are different and work hard to provide the right support for each new sailor. Helping more people discover the freedom, confidence and enjoyment that sailing can bring.