New Sailability keelboats launched on the River Exe

Exeter Chiefs Foundation has helped a local community project purchase two Hansa 303 keelboats to offer sailing and boating opportunities to all disabled and disadvantaged people.

Sailability is a volunteer-led and non-profit organisation that was started in 2007 and forms part of the wider Exe Sailing Club that applied for a grant from the Foundation.

They were awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) last year in recognition of their work in the community.

Andy Douglas, of Sailability, said: “This year, we wanted to build on that success and improve our offering to both our more independent and adventurous sailors as well as those with more serious mobility issues. The dinghies that we currently use have certain limitations for these sailors so we were looking to purchase two new dinghies that would fill this gap.

“The Hansa are specially designed para boats, which are widely used globally, and are approved by the Royal Yachting Association. They can be sailed by either one or two sailors and are virtually impossible to capsize. This is very important as for many of our sailors ending up in the water would be particularly dangerous.

“Their biggest advantage is that they are steered by a joystick in front of the sailor who does not have to cross the boat when tacking as with normal boats. This makes them ideal for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. With two boats, we can introduce these sailors to competitive racing which will improve their skills and offer them a greater degree of independence.”

Sailability offering impacts many local people who are physically, mentally or financially perceived as being disadvantaged. Between April and September last year, the organisation ran 262 separate Sailability sessions which accommodated 665 sailors. This was organised and run by a team of more than 100 volunteers. Sailability hopes to offer an additional five weekly sessions using the new Hansas and to continue sailing throughout the year.

Andy added: “Many of our sailors simply enjoy just being out on the water and experiencing the beauty of the Exe Estuary while others get the sailing bug and really want to learn to sail. For them we offer continuous on-water tuition as well as shore-based classes during the winter months. We encourage them to undertake the RYA levels of training courses and to become club members.

“For many disabled and disadvantaged people, it is very difficult to engage in any sporting activities. Sailing is the perfect sport for many of them, and they know that when they come to Sailability at Exe Sailing Club they will get a warm welcome, be well looked after and given the opportunity to grow their skills and confidence.”