Rutland Sailability look back at 2016

Posted: Thu, 13 Apr 2017 09:20

Rutland Sailability look back at 2016

2016 was another year in which Rutland Sailability was able to provide a safe and comprehensive environment for people with disabilities to enjoy the sport of sailing. We were able to operate from April until late October because of the mild autumn.

We started the year with a fleet of thirty boats of various classes plus two safety boats so that we could cater for a variety of disabilities. During the year we disposed of two of the sailing boats as they were not being used. This has saved us a significant sum in fees to our parent club and in insurance costs. A fair amount of money was spent on maintenance and new sails, although no large amount was required for our support services. All our boats passed the annual RYA inspection and we have also retained our status as a Centre of Excellence.

We have spent a lot of time, effort and some expense in training for all sorts of activities. We started a formal programme on safe handling, both to protect our disabled members and our volunteer helpers from injury. This is being expanded in 2017. Our ongoing programme of training and revalidating of sailing instructors of all levels has continued throughout the year. We have started a racing programme as a means of improving sailing skills, which has proved very popular and will be expanded in 2017.

2016 saw a successful continuation of our Saturday sailing programme for young people. 2015 had many great achievements but we also recognise that we can all learn and improve. Listening to the comments of parents and carers, we introduced a booking system for our Saturday sessions. For the youngsters and their families this has meant they are better able to plan their time, are less likely to have to wait long periods when they arrive. Feedback says they are happier with this working arrangement.

Working in partnership with Rutland County Council's Aiming High Team, and especially with Helen Pye, we welcomed six more youngsters, giving them the opportunity to try sailing. It wasn't right for all of them – that's fine; we're not all going to like getting on the water. But for some it has become a part of the weekend activities that they intend continuing through 2017. We hope they will be joined by other young people of Rutland via the Aiming High scheme in our 2017 sailing season and are currently busy planning for this.

It isn't only young sailors from Rutland that we open our doors to – we welcome any youngster aged 7+, likely to require additional support due to any form of 'disability', who likes the idea of trying sailing as a sport. We provide support and training to RYA standards; currently we are using the RYA Certificates of Achievements designed especially for those who may require a little more time and support to learn the skills.

Martin Sutcliffe - Rutland Sailability Chairman

For more information, see the PDF attached.

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