Supported Sailing Sessions 2025

 The season has started with some sailors who had attended Tuesday sessions last year and more who made contact on ‘Try our boats’ and ‘Discover Sailing’ days.  

Tuesday, 6th May, our first session, turned out to be a near perfect evening – light winds and some emerging sunshine. Our 2 hansa 303s were constantly on the go, back and forth, to make sure everyone got a turn on the water.

There are three joys to be sensed when helping sailors access the water.

First: for those who are experienced sailors who have suffered some debilitating illness there is a visible and palpable joy when they discover that they can get back on the water again.

Secondly: for those who have never been able to experience the sense of freedom and exhilaration that sailing can bring because of a long -standing condition the experience is life enhancing.

Thirdly: for those who have never had the opportunity and need support and encouragement to get on the water there is the discovery of a new delight; ‘I have found my happy place’.

There were smiles all round on Tuesday

Sailability needs help getting people and boats on and off the water, instructors for those still learning and safety cover.

In particular we need support because the boats and their weighted keel are heavy.

We are also keen to train a new generation of helpers.

It would be a shame if the new season enthusiasm were lost due to the lack of person power.

If you can spare an hour or two on a Tuesday evening between 4 and 7 pm (we can always do split shifts) please get in touch with sailability@ncsc.org.uk

On April 26th Sailability ran a Try our boars day for club members and instructors and potential members.

Five came along plus instructors helping, there was rigging revision for many and a few new and potential members trying the HANSA 303.

The wind was light and it was sunny so ideal conditions. One of the visitors said  she had found her happy place.

Supported sailing is this Tuesday 6th May, Anne would be delighted if  any one who isn’t racing on Tuesday could help so she can extend the session, as there has been a lot of interest at Discover Sailing, please contact her at sailability@ncsc.org.uk 

In just over two weeks there is the HANSA Open on Wednesday 21st May, help is always needed and it is often a lovely day with a great atmosphere, Debs is down catering.

Thanks for photos Graham Stamper (26th)