Sailability - Putting Smiles On Faces

Cowes Sailability Club, founded in 2002, is based at three centres in Cowes on the Isle of Wight and the very purpose of the club is to improve the quality of life for disabled people of all ages. The Club is managed by fully trained volunteers and offers a variety of sailing and motor boating opportunities throughout the season.

The new Longboat will provide hands on training for members looking for that degree of involvement. It will also be used for day sailing. The sailing is predominately recreational and provides lots of social interaction and more importantly pleasure. The practical side of sailing is supported by classroom instruction and social events during the winter months.

In September 2010 the club was presented with the Queens Award for Voluntary Service and has been supported locally by two Community Action Awards, as well as local businesses and charitable trusts.

The project will purchase and run a Longboat in the Solent that will be fitted out to enable their disabled members to crew the boat. The Longboat will include dual controls and safety equipment to cater for people with a range of disabilities and their families. It will provide a recreational and inclusive activity that can be enjoyed and which will improve confidence and social interaction. The outdoor activity will run from April to November with activities ashore provided during the winter.