Impact Awards for Welsh sailing charity volunteers
Two dedicated volunteers from a sailing charity for disabled people on Anglesey have been presented with RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards.
Jon Gamon and Richard Horovitz founded SEAS Sailability to help disabled people and their families and carers to enjoy getting on the water.
The awards recognise those who go above and beyond to support activities afloat, and the pair were put forward for the accolade by fellow SEAS volunteer Ken Newing, who said: “It’s a pleasure to nominate Jon and Richard for their continued effort over the years to make the sport more accessible.”
SEAS Sailability is based at The Conway Centre and offers a variety of activities in a fun, safe and social environment, including sailing and paddleboarding, swimming, powerboating and trips aboard a wheelchair accessible Wheelyboat.
Jon first had the idea of providing more watersports opportunities for disabled people in 2017 while working as an instructor at the centre, and shared a post on Facebook to see if a volunteer-run community group might work.
The initiative proved popular and although the Covid pandemic put activities on hold, it also provided time and space for Jon and Richard to tackle the administrative nuts and bolts needed to turn the venture into a registered charity.
Jon, who teaches outdoor education at Ysgol Aberconwy and the Conway Centre, is the technical director for SEAS. He said: “It’s so rewarding to see the excitement and sense of achievement that people experience when they are able to get on the water and I enjoy being a part of that buzz.
“You become part of a community and I like seeing the impact our activities have on the wellbeing and relationships of our participants and their carers. It’s something different they can all do together to build positive memories.”
The Conway Centre provides facilities for SEAS (Supporting Enabling Accessible Sailing) and benefits in turn from being able to share the charity’s adaptive equipment - including accessible seating and giant paddleboards – enabling it to provide inclusive activities as well, including for schools.
The charity has 30-60 participants for each of its sessions and hopes to encourage other commercial centres to replicate its model of ‘collaboration for mutual benefit’ to expand opportunities afloat for disabled people in Wales.
Richard, Chair of Trustees for SEAS Sailability, said: “We’re based on the Menai Strait but there are people everywhere who would like to take part in what we do. As a charity we’re moving forward all the time and we’re looking to support other Welsh centres to provide these activities because the demand is phenomenal.
“We take out lots of people with all types of disabilities who wouldn’t otherwise be on the water, along with their families and carers so they are able to share the experience and have fun together. You only have to see the smiles to be inspired.”
The RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards are run by the sport’s governing body to recognise those who go the extra mile to inspire people to enjoy sailing and watersports in line with its strategy - Together on our Waters – to create a connected, inspired and inclusive Welsh sailing and boating community.
Find out more about opportunities to get on the water with SEAS or explore how to begin your own sailing journey at RYA Start Boating.
Do you know an individual or organisation that goes the extra mile to support activities on the water in Wales? RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards recognise the hard work of individuals and organisations including participants, staff and volunteers; instructors, coaches and race officials; clubs, classes and centres.
Nominate for the RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards.
All pictures (c) Karl Midlane, SEAS Sailability