Sailability

Here at Olton Mere Sailing Club we firmly believe that sailing should be available and accessible to all regardless of additional needs. We work in partnership with the Royal Yachting Association and their Sailabiltiy team to provide opportunities and equipment to facilitate sailing sessions for those with additional needs.

We have a small fleet of specially designed boats that have several differences to a standard sailing dinghy it doesn't make it any less fun (in fact it means participants can concentrate on having more fun).

Some of the features are:-

• Forward facing seats our 2 person boats allow one or two people to sail in the same boat without the need to be mobile within the boat.
• Simplified controls A simple joystick provides the steering
• 1 control for the sail no need to spend time looking at how to trim the sail perfectly
• Super stable a huge lead weight under the boat virtually eliminates the possibility of capsize

It's not just the boats that need to be accessible we have a purpose built stable pontoon that has a wheelchair accessible ramp so that people can access the boats from the shore easily without needing to get wet. To get the participants into the boats we have, if needed, a hoist that allows transfers from a wheelchair on the pontoon straight down into the boats we use this often with more able users too with balance problems.

Our Clubhouse facilities:

Within our club house currently only the ground floor is accessible to those with mobility needs, on this floor there is:

Wheelchair accessible toilet

Wheelchair accessible shower

2 Large changing rooms, although not wheelchair accessible these have standard doors with benches and showers in each

We truly believe that everyone is different and this is even more important to take into account in people with additional needs, this is why we won't book you in until we've talked through your and/or your groups needs. This way we can develop a programme that is bespoke to your needs whether it is a one-off session or a series of sessions.

Our Sessions:

Taster sessions an hour on the water getting to grips with being out on the water and embracing a new activity.

Sailability scheme sessions We can offer progressive weekly skills courses with our fully trained staff.

Social Sessions Look out for chances to get out on the water and meet new people with our drop in sessions through out the week.

If you have any other questions then please get in touch to discuss how we can help and provide a programme that fits your needs

Last updated 15:51 on 30 January 2024