An innovative project giving people with limited mobility the opportunity to experience life on the water has earned Arden Sailing Club an RYA Impact Award.

Arden Sailing Club has been recognised with an RYA Impact Award for its outstanding work in making boating more accessible and helping more people experience the benefits of getting out on the water.

The RYA Impact Awards celebrate the people, clubs and organisations going above and beyond to make boating more inclusive, improve access to the water and inspire the next generation. Presented throughout the year, the awards recognise the dedication, passion and hard work of those making a real difference to the sport and its communities.

For Arden Sailing Club, that difference comes in the form of its innovative Explorer Boat Project, an initiative spearheaded by club treasurer Steve Ryder, with a simple but powerful ambition: to make sure that limited mobility is no barrier to enjoying time on the water.

Breaking down barriers to boating

Driven by a desire to address the inequalities faced by people who may otherwise feel unable to get out on a boat, Steve began researching ways to make boating accessible to wheelchair users and people with limited mobility.

What followed was a project several years in the making, involving extensive research to identify the right technology and ensure the boat would meet the needs of those coming aboard.

The result is the Explorer boat, a specially adapted, wheelchair-friendly vessel designed to give people access to rivers, lakes and waterways. Featuring a front-loading ramp and flat flooring throughout, it allows wheelchair users to board and disembark with ease. Its electric outboard engine also provides a quiet, environmentally friendly way to explore the water.

Bringing the project to life required significant fundraising and community support. Steve successfully secured a £25,000 community government grant, which he then matched with additional funding to make the specially modified boat a reality.

The Explorer embarked on its maiden voyage in 2025 and has already enabled over 100 people to get out on the water, with demand continuing to grow.

Making a real difference in the community

Based at Arden Sailing Club and operating along the River Avon, the Explorer has already opened up new opportunities for a wide range of local community groups and individuals.

Steve Ryder said:

“We’ve had lots of interest since we launched the Explorer boat project and have welcomed members aboard from children to our oldest current user, who was 88! The number of trips has doubled over its first couple of years, so we are thrilled she is getting used!

“It is a privilege to overcome the barriers and enable those who may not have felt it was once possible, the opportunity to explore time on the beautiful blue space and explore our green and pleasant lands.”

The project’s success demonstrates just how much can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared ambition to make boating accessible to everyone.

Ross Ryan, RYA regional chair for the Midlands, praised the initiative and its inclusive approach:

“The ‘Explorer’ boat project offers the opportunity for all to float on the water and observe life from a different angle on our wonderful blue space.”

Looking ahead: taking the Explorer further

While the Explorer has already transformed opportunities for people in its local community, the ambition doesn’t stop there.

The club hopes to build on the project’s success by taking the Explorer to other clubs around the country, helping more people overcome the barriers to boating and experience the enjoyment, freedom and wellbeing that time on the water can bring.

Arden Sailing Club is also keen to hear from additional community groups and potential users who would benefit from the opportunity to get afloat.

If you know of a group that would love to experience the water, or would like to find out more about the project, contact Steve and the team.

Impact that matters

The RYA Impact Awards are open for nominations all year round and provide an opportunity to celebrate the people, clubs and organisations making a positive difference to boating.

Anyone can nominate participants, volunteers, club staff, instructors, coaches, race officials, clubs, classes and training centres.

Whether it’s opening up new opportunities, breaking down barriers or inspiring others to get involved, the awards recognise the dedication and passion that help our sport thrive.

Know someone making a difference?

Find out more about the RYA Impact Awards and how to nominate at RYA Impact Awards.