SMILES ON THE FACES OF NEW DISABLED SAILORS!
Thursday 19 th June saw a new project to develop disabled sailing, Get Wet , take to the water in Strathclyde Country Park. This new project is part of an initiative being managed by RYA Sailability Scotland, in partnership with RYA Scotland and the Royal Highland Yacht Club. The Get Wet project is managed by Alex Campbell, a visually impaired sailor from Bellshill, near Glasgow. Alex is a recent appointment to the post of RYA Sailability Scotland Development Officer, and brings to the role a ton of enthusiasm for sailing, and the eagerness to get as many disabled people in Scotland to try sailing as possible. Sailing is one of my passions, as it gives me the freedom not normally experienced in everyday life by disabled people I d definitely suggest that everyone gives it a go! , says Alex, who currently sails on Loch Lomond, and is a speed freak at heart.
Alex managed to attract 8 people from all over North Lanarkshire with a variety of disabilities, out on the water, even though rain threatened through much of the day, and it was really pretty windy. With the help of volunteers from the Clyde Cruising Club, Strathclyde Loch Sailing Club, and instructors Robin, Douglas and Gary from James Hamilton Heritage Park, everyone got out on the water in Challenger sailing dinghies for a real good blast, before heading back to shore soaking wet and dying for a cup of tea. Challenger dinghies have been specially designed and built with people with physical disabilities in mind, and as they have three hulls, and a special mainsail, they go really quickly. Often much more quickly than boats sailed by able bodied people!
Jason, a new participant to the sport of sailing, said I ve loved every minute of today, when can I go back out again?! , and the leader of his group, Claire, found herself really emotional about the fun that everyone had had throughout the day. She s understandably keen to have access to the sport on a regular basis, something that is being looked into now that a core of sailors has been developed.
Many thanks to all the volunteers and instructors who helped out on the day, and to the new sailors for attending the event we look forward to seeing you all again soon!
If you are keen to try sailing, or know someone who might, please do contact Jane Campbell Morrison on 0131 317 4610, or by email: jane.campbellmorrison@ryascotland.org.uk , or Alex Campbell on alex.campbell@visibiity.org.uk , to find out about opportunities that exist across Scotland. Alternatively visit www.ryascotland.org.uk/sailability , to catch up with the latest news.
