The association has been awarded the Kings Award for Voluntary Service - the highest honour a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.
The award was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, the King emphasised his desire with the prestigious recognition.
It aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. Recipients are announced annually on November 14 - the King’s Birthday.
The association said: “We are therefore privileged to be one of the first organisations to receive this prestigious award given by our new Monarch which will both encourage and inspire our volunteers to continue to strive to support the wellbeing of our disabled communities.”
The DSA is supported by more than 70 active volunteers who fulfil critical roles including boat crews, maintenance, IT and administrative support, fundraising, finance, safeguarding, health and safety and market communications.
The DSA was established as a charity in 2005.Its purpose is to provide safe and affordable sailing opportunities to disabled adults and children, their families and carers.
Since then, the organisation has grown to over 400 members with the widest range of disabilities and from socially disadvantaged communities, from the local area and beyond.
It’s run entirely by volunteers and supported through charitable donations and sponsorship.
The DSA is based in Torquay, South Devon and affiliated to the Royal Yachting Association Sailability Group.
The association says: “Our yachts, which sail most days of the year weather permitting, are named DSA Freedom and DSA Free Spirit by our members because of that feeling of elation when sailing, which brings so much relief and healing into their lives. It also promotes a healthy and active lifestyle.”
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