Please select your home edition
Edition

RYA Sail for Gold Roadshow celebrates the Paralympics

by Michael Haigh 20 Sep 2016 14:39 PDT 17 September 2016
RYA Sail for Gold Roadshow celebrates the Paralympics by introducing people to sailing at Alton Water © Mike Haigh

Some 161 visitors tried sailing or windsurfing as the RYA Sail for Gold Roadshow celebrated the Paralympics at Alton Watersports Centre near Ipswich on Saturday 17 September, which was also the Paralympic sailing medal race day in Rio. The event was fully accessible for people with disabilities.

The British Sailing Team's Megan Pascoe, the current 2.4m World Champion, was there to meet and great visitors in the morning and in the afternoon she took some out on the water in a specially adapted boat from the Woolverstone Project - a local RYA Sailability group which provides sailing for those with disabilities.

Megan described the freedom which sailing provides those with disabilities: "I liken it to a penguin, things can be difficult on land but perfect on the water! Days like this show that sailing is accessible and affordable regardless of your ability or background."

Robbie Bell, RYA Regional Development Officer, said: "We're working in conjunction with Alton Water Sports Centre and The Woolverstone Project to provide lots of free opportunities for people of all abilities to get out on the water and try sailing. Sailing is such a leveller, people with disabilities find they can get out on the water and have just as much fun as anyone else."

Alton Water Centre's youthful team of instructors were kept busy all day providing taster sessions.

Leah Bowers, who was there with six young people from Stowmarket Autism Spectrum Disorder Saturday Club, said of her group: "Four of the six haven't sailed before and they've done fantastically today. The team here at Alton Water is great."

Jane Ellison, the RYA Disability Development Officer in the East Region, said: "Sailing is a fantastic sport for absolutely everybody. It's a great leveller for people of any ability – they can get out there on a boat and feel free. People don't always know they have facilities like this on their doorstep and days like today help us make them aware."

The RYA Sail for Gold Roadshow previously toured the UK during the Olympic medal race week with more than 1,100 people getting out on the water.

See how to start boating or RYA Sailability (for those with disabilities).

Related Articles

Henri-Lloyd supports Jazz Turner's challenge
GBR para-athlete overcomes fears in attempt to break record For a young woman with multiple and complex health issues, Jazz Turner is remarkable calm as she faces her imminent departure on her around Great Britain sailing challenge. Posted today at 8:00 am
A new IMOCA for Boris Herrmann's Team Malizia
Three teams have joined forces to build three new boats Boris Herrmann's Team Malizia announces the build of a new IMOCA racing yacht and with it, an unprecedented collaboration. Posted today at 6:01 am
VX One Class forms Int. Class Assoc.
Significant new chapter begins for VX One sailors with formation of an Int Class Assoc. A significant new chapter has just begun for VX One sailors worldwide with the formation of the VX One International Class Association Posted today at 4:06 am
IMA Maxi Europeans day 1
Jolt takes the lead The International Maxi Association's European Championship, run by Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia out of Sorrento, began its second phase today with four days of windward-leeward and coastal racing on the Gulf of Naples. Posted on 19 May
Formula Kite Europeans in Urla overall
Nolot and Pianosi reclaim European Titles, and Maeder wins Open Trophy Racing couldn't have been more dramatic in the medal series day of the 2025 Formula Kite European Championships. With too many passes to count, a steady eight knots and smooth, turquoise water provided a perfect playing field in Urla. Posted on 19 May
IMA Maxi Europeans Inshore Series Day 1
A perfect start in Sorrento with sunshine and consistent wind The Sorrento Peninsula delivered picture-perfect conditions for the opening day of inshore racing at the IMA Maxi European Championship, the second stage of the Tre Golfi Sailing Week 2025. Posted on 19 May
Pirelli is once again partnering with Luna Rossa
Collaboration will focus on virtualization, artificial intelligence and advanced materials Pirelli is once again partnering with Luna Rossa team for the 38th America's Cup, joining the Italian challenger as Official Sponsor and Technical Partner, supporting the team in developing cutting-edge technological solutions. Posted on 19 May
Sailing is for Everyone – and We Mean It
Rooster are proud to support the communities making that a reality Sailing is a sport with space for everyone - and at Rooster, we're proud to support the communities making that a reality. Posted on 19 May
NYYC hosts 2025 World Sailing Mid-Year Meeting
Board conducted a series of productive strategic meetings The gathering brought the World Sailing Board and Council together in person at the Club's historic 44th Street Clubhouse in Manhattan—an iconic venue designed by Whitney Warren, renowned architect of Grand Central Station. Posted on 19 May
Kai Marks Dasent Sponsored Sail Fundraiser
Raising money for Hurricane-Affected Students from Union Island Secondary School Young Sailor Kai Marks Dasent Sails from St. Vincent to Mustique to Launch Fundraising Campaign for Hurricane-Affected Students from Union Island Secondary School and Vincy Sailing Team. Posted on 19 May