Every Thursday and Saturday they can enjoy a few hours on and around Rutland Water, learning to sail or practising their skills, chatting and helping one another to have fun.
On Thursday last week, under a stormy summer sky, club chairman Andrew St John was aboard the ‘RS Venture’ with Allan Wall and volunteers Bev Jacques and Simon Faire.
As Andrew spoke about the club’s aims and activities, Allan kept the vessel under control using an electric joystick that he can move using his chin. Bev and Simon took care of the sails.
“The beauty of Rutland Sailability is that it gives people a chance of mobility and a sense of achievement,” said Andrew, a retired GP.
“They can learn to sail for themselves, or take part in sailing with others, and go as far as they want using our resources.
“The most important thing is that our members can have independence and enjoy themselves. Essential to us as a club is that it is enjoyable.”
Most significant for him, Andrew explained, is that sailability gives people the chance to feel independent and take control in a way they often cannot.
Although he had a successful career in banking, Allan described the difficulties he has faced in life because of his physical disabilities, including spending seven years trying to get a job but being knocked back.
He started sailing in 2009, having initially dismissed the idea of joining a sailability club - in part because he is unable to use his hands to sail. Thanks to adaptations, such as electronic steering, Allan is able to sail with Rutland Sailability and thoroughly enjoys time on the water.
“I had a cushion made for the seat to make it more comfortable, and I often book two 40-minute sessions or more back to back,” he said. “Otherwise, no sooner are you in the boat, it feels like it’s time to get out again.”
The 30 boats available on Thursday mornings are owned by Rutland Sailability and have been acquired over the 28 years the club has been running.
The sailing season is from April to October and members meet at Rutland Sailing Club in Gibbet Lane, Edith Weston on Thursdays between 10am and 3pm. Saturday morning sailing is primarily for junior members. The club sails in all weathers, including rain, wind and snow.
To become a member, a volunteer member, or to help with fundraising, the club can be contacted through its website www.rutlandsailability.org.uk or by phoning 07434 880 909 on a Thursday between 10am and 3pm.
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