10th Anniversary for Britain's biggest disability Sailing event

Britain's biggest disabled sailing event will celebrate its 10th anniversary as the RYA Sailability Multiclass Regatta returns to Rutland SC on 4-6 August.

More than 60 sailors of all abilities from across Britain are set to do battle in no fewer than seven different types of boat, with individual class titles up for grabs alongside a new Open class crown and the perennial Ken Ellis Pursuit Race Trophy.

Last year sailors from the host club Rutland Sailability claimed three of the Multiclass titles - Graham Hall in the Challenger trimaran, Christine Spray and Neville Rose in the SKUD 18 skiff and Paul Allen and James Adair in RS Venture keelboat.

Five races are scheduled to take place on Saturday and Sunday - four races for each of the classes or Open trophies and the Pursuit race. In addition, Friday is a training day to give both newcomers and experienced sailors alike the chance to improve their skills with ability-relevant coaching from experienced racing experts.

Joff McGill, RYA Sailability Manager, said: "Last year we had more than 54 boats and 64 sailors taking part, and with the new Open class introduced for the first time this year we would love to welcome even more to mark the event's 10th anniversary.

"The RYA Sailability Multiclass Regatta is a fantastic opportunity for sailors to experience racing in large fleets for the first time, as well as providing some very competitive racing for those with more experience."

The inaugural RYA Sailability Multiclass Regatta was held at Rutland Sailing Club in 2007 and was the first time so many different fleets had met and raced together.

Joff added: "The secret to the event's longevity and ongoing success is how much people enjoy it. Because sailors of all classes are mixing at one event, they get the chance to meet new people, find out about different types of boat and equipment and get tips and advice from some of the leading names in British disabled sailing.

"It is just a really friendly event where everyone is welcomed and, as hosts, Rutland Sailing Club always plays a key role in helping to foster the sense of community that makes the RYA Sailability Multiclass Regatta the unique event it is."

Sailability is the national programme run by sailing's governing body, the RYA, giving people with disabilities the chance to try sailing and to take part regularly. The British network of no fewer than 221 RYA-approved Sailability sites have boats and facilities to cater for people across the whole spectrum of abilities. For more information about RYA Sailability, including the Multiclass Regatta, visit www.rya.org.uk/go/sailability

SOURCE: Royal Yachting Association