Who we are
Sailing for the Disabled offers adults and children with a wide range of disabilities the chance to enjoy sailing on our own boat Pride of Mann II.
Many of the people assisted have no previous experience of sailing - some have never been in a yacht before. It is a sport that may be tried at any age and with virtually any disability, including people in wheelchairs and those with visual and hearing impairment.
Sailing for the Disabled are the proud recipients of the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service (2008). It was awarded in recognition of the work our volunteers do within the Island Community.
Our aims and objectives
To provide opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in sailing:
- On equal terms with their able bodied friends in a harmonious and safe environment
- To ensure members are aware of the policies and procedures specified by the
Code of Practice and that they are adhered to and implemented at all times
- To provide a core of persons with the necessary skills that will allow the disabled members to enjoy the facilities of the vessel
- To provide to any member wishing to develop their yachting skills the necessary coaching to enable the charity to achieve its objectives
- To ensure able bodied persons are provided with training to ensure the safety
and care of the disabled members.
Our vessel
Our current vessel, is a 46` Bavaria cruiser. She was named by HRH The Princess Royal Pride of Mann II in April 2005 and is well named, not only because the charity is proud of its achievements, but also for the pride that disabled sailors take in being able to sail on an equal footing with their able-bodied counterparts.
Every person sailing with us is treated as an individual and their specific needs are considered.
Experience gained with our previous vessels has demonstrated that disability is not a barrier to managing onboard.
Where to find us
Pride of Mann II is based in Douglas inner harbour.
She was selected for our use as she required no special modifications to meet the needs of the disabled. She is comfortably furnished with eight berths and can seat up to 10 people. She has refrigerators for food storage and up-to-date cooking facilities, plus two shower/toilets. She is equipped to RYA standards, with all the latest electronic navigation aids, and has the RYA Sailability Foundation Certificate showing that she meets the full requirements to take people with disabilities sailing.
A hoist and sling on board allows easy transfer from shore to boat and down to cabin for sailors who are wheelchair users.
Membership
Applications for disabled membership are considered from anyone reaching the age of 12 or over. Anyone without a disability must be aged 16 or over before applying, unless they have a sibling with a disability who is already a member.
How you may help us
Your cash and/or time will be greatly appreciated so that we may maintain our current level of activities.
If you would like to support us financially, please use our secure online 'Donate' button above.
Do, please, volunteer for the events that keep us solvent as the charity is entirely volunteer managed.
If you have a RYA sailing qualification and would like to help us sail our 46' yacht then do please contact us.
Thank you for your interest.
