Sailability news round up - autumn 2019

07 Oct 19
 

Supporting Dementia through sailing spreads

In the summer Bulletin, we told you about how your site could get involved in the Alzheimer’s Society's ‘Dementia Friend’ initiative, to change people’s perceptions of dementia and to help sailing clubs welcome and support people affected by dementia.

Here's a reminder of that article (and if you've not yet become Dementia Friends definitely look into it) - Become Dementia Friends and support people with dementia to get afloat

The Chichester Harbour-based Sailboat Project is one site that's actively integrated 'Dementia Sails' into their activities and this summer welcomed the Russell family, after three brothers arranged a trip for their father, Hap, who has Alzheimers. As a family they have sailed extensively over the years, including Atlantic crossings, and they said the day couldn't have gone better :)

One of the brothers said: "I was rather apprehensive, but my worries were very rapidly dispensed with. Hap just loved it. He was in his element and we’ve been talking about arranging another voyage."

Hap Russell takes the helm on his Sailboat Project Dementia SailWe Are Undefeatable

Sport England's 'We Are Undefeatble' campaign has been launched to support the 15m people who live with one or more long-term health conditions in England. The campaign aims to help those with conditions such as diabetes, cancer, arthritis and Parkinson’s to build physical activity into their lives.

Across the country, Sailability sites already support thousands of people living with long-term health conditions so how can you take advantage of the campaign to spread the word about how sailing is the perfect pastime for people to get and stay active? Here's the full story - We Are Undefeatable campaign launched

This video, published by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, of Elizabeth Gradwell, chartered physiotherapist and Frensham Pond Sailability volunteer, talking about how sailing is for everyone is a great example of the type of content you could produce and share of your site?

 

What you've been up to

Wallingford Accessible Boat Club - have celebrated the delivery of their first Wheelyboat. Officially named ‘WOW-One’, the boat was launched by Mrs Cala Pike, one of the club’s Patrons. It marks the culmination of over three years hard work by a small group of determined volunteers, who have worked tirelessly to achieve the club’s vision. The club is aiming for the boat to be in 'full service' next spring.

Belfast Lough Sailability - Team Ulster - comprising Belfast Lough Sailability along with two volunteers from Foyle Sailability - took top spot at The President's Cup, the most prestigious sailing event for disabled sailors in Ireland. The event consists of the four Provinces of Ireland sailing against each other in four different classes of boats. This year's event was at the Royal St. George Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire, on Dublin Bay while Belfast Lough will play host in 2020. Full report and results here.

Waveney Sailability - hosted a day for Blesma - Military Charity for Limbless Veterans - at their Norfolk site so they could try the Hansa dinghies and also go for a sail in one of Waveney's larger boats. Most of the visitors had never sailed before and the lively and gusty conditions made for exciting sailing.

Sail Birmingham @ Midland SC - children with congenital hand differences and other upper limb problems are being inspired to build their confidence and independence on the water thanks to a new initiative between Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Midland SC. Here's the full story.

Youngsters take to the water for the Birmingham Children's Hospital taster day at Midland SCCawsand Bay SC - a motley crew took to the water as the Cornish club hosted it's annual Pirate Race to raise funds for Sailability. The event was held as a Pursuit Race, and members donated cakes to sell for post-race refuelling. The day raised £195 - thanks to everyone who got involved :)

Mariners of Bewl - Para Sailing World Champion, Will Street, and BBC presenter Steve Brown, joined the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells and members of Mariners of Bewl, in unveiling a new pontoon section and hoist at Bewl Water, Kent. The project took two years to plan and the £20,000 cost came thanks to grants and donations from the RYA Foundation, Sport England, Bewl Sailing Association, Hilary’s Dream Trust and a number of generous individuals and groups. Get the full story and reaction here.

BBC presenter Steve Brown (l), Para Sailing World Champion, Will Street (r) and  the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells (centre) unveil new pontoon section and hoist at Bewl Water, Kent.Durleigh SC - you don't have to be a Sailability site to make sailing possible for all as Somerset-based Tayen Gilbert holds a rope as she goes sailingDurleigh have shown. Tayen Gilbert is eight and has a genetic condition called Neurofibromatosis NF1.

She is fully blind, with epilepsy, hydrocephalus and hypermobility. Tayen has
three big brothers - one of whom, Matthew, was a finalist in this year's RYA OnBoard Panerai Challenger Trophy - who adore her and when she can, she
loves to go sailing with them.

This year was the third the whole family got afloat at Durleigh's Push The Boat
Out as Tayen benefits from the sensory experience and being with her brothers. Find out more about Tayen's story here.

Sophie's story

Sophie, who is supported by the Avenues Group in Kent, has been learning to sail at Wealden Sailabililty. In July, Wealden held it's 10th anniversary celebration day with the opening of their new pontoon and the launch of two new boats, and Sophie and her carer, Della, both went along. For Sophie, her sailing lessons have meant much more than just getting out on the water. This is her story.