Tackling Inequalities Funding makes a difference at Horizons

Horizons in Plymouth was awarded £10,000 from the RYA’s Sport England Tackling Inequalities Fund last year to introduce six families to sailing when they would otherwise not be able to access the sport. Inevitably, lockdowns and restrictions delayed the start of the project, but in April, the first three families began their life-enhancing experience

21 Jun 21

With the aim of introducing a total of 24 parents and children to sailing, Horizons’ plan was to deliver RYA Level 1/Stage 1 Dinghy and RYA Level 1/Stage 1 Keelboat courses, provide them all with wetsuits, spray tops and wetsuit boots and also include five months of eSailing membership through the off season.

During April, the first three family groups were able to go sailing in Picos and in three days achieved their RYA Level 1/Stage 1. Sessions are now being delivered in keelboats as the final part of the project.

Dad and son dinghy sailing

As Simon Mace, Chief Executive, explains, the charity is moving forward cautiously as restrictions are eased: “We want to get the courses completed as soon as we can so that the families can enjoy the rest of the season. We’re taking a cautious approach, running sessions with restricted numbers, separating launching/landing by half an hour to avoid high numbers in any particular area. As restrictions ease we hope to do more as the season progresses.”

Once trained and equipped to enjoy sailing, the families will be introduced to local clubs where they can continue to enjoy the benefits of being on the water. Additionally, the children will be able to join the Horizons Sailing Club and sail with others, the parents will be offered the chance to volunteer, and the families will be given opportunities to sail together in one of the charity’s Hawk 20s. Both adults and children will also be offered access to further training at low cost.

The feedback to the project so far has been extremely positive. One parent commented: “My son had been waiting for four years to be able to do the RYA courses and it was a HUGE blessing to our family that he and I could do it now and especially to do it together. This last year of lockdown had a huge negative impact on my son and it was an absolute THRILL to take part in this training and share the experience together. Most of all though, it was watching him grow in confidence and singlehandedly sail a Pico himself, looking like a natural. Also, being given the kit was SUCH a blessing to us now and equipping us for the future. We don’t have much spare money in our budget and so it was a very big deal that the whole course was offered free of charge. After a year of trying to get help with a child who was really struggling, this course was perfect for what we needed right now.”

And one of the children added: “I have really enjoyed this course. I especially enjoyed the bits in which we went in the water i.e. capsizing. The hot chocolate and ice lollies were also really good!

Most of all, I am really thankful for this very good and special kit and that I have been able to do this course for free. I am really happy that I can now sail a Pico by myself. I’ve learnt so much – much more than I expected to!”