National Paralympic Day - Get out on the water August 30th

by RYA on 20 Aug 2014 Saturday 30 August 2014 is National Paralympic Day. RYA Sailability is offering people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to get out on the water in Lymington and experience sailing and boating for free.

'Often people with a disability or indeed their family or carers think that sailing and power boating are both inaccessible and expensive,' comments Aly Gunn, RYA Sailability Southern Regional Organiser. 'We want to dispel this myth by demonstrating some of the accessible options available and by also getting them out on the water on the day to have a taster. We will demonstrate that via a Sailability group or other organisations, the thrill and feelings of exhilaration and freedom that both sailing and power boating can give, can be achieved safely with just a little of a helping hand and need not be expensive.'

'Being out on the water is a fantastically uplifting experience for people who might not normally get the chance, and this is a chance to them to try it for themselves.'

The only gear that people need to bring is a warm and/or waterproof jacket or coat. RYA Sailability will provide any buoyancy aids. There will be a Senior Sailing Instructor and a Power boat Instructor present and Lymington Sailability will provide safety boat cover shore cover. The Paralympic taster Day will run from 9am until 5pm on the day, and will be based at the slipway in Bath Road, Lymington.

Dinghy manufacturers RS are kindly loaning one of their new RS Venture Keel boats to the event, so that visitors can try the thrill of dinghy sailing.

Lymington Sailability will also be providing a Windrider 17 which is a multihull three-man boat as well as a fully accessible power boat for those who prefer speed.

The Ro Ro Sailing Project, which provides sailing opportunities on a for disabled people with their friends, carers and families will be also offer tasters on their 35ft Catamaran Scott Bader.

To pre-book a chance to try sailing please contact Aly Gunn on 07823 338374 or email her.

RYA Sailability enables people with a disability to experience sailing to sail regularly. More information here.