Charity for Disabled Sailors Celebrates Super Summer Season!
For immediate release – 13th October 2021
Despite the chaos caused by Covid and a hugely complex relocation, charity Dart Sailability has had one of its best seasons to date and celebrated with members, donors and supporters at its new Galmpton base.
The end of season celebration on 13th October was attended by over 70 and was an ideal opportunity to say a huge thank you to everybody who has made the season such a success.
Chairman of Trustees Neil Strevens thanked donors for their incredible support and the charity’s youngest sailor, Daisy Holt, did the honours and unveiled the major donor board.
Principal Ian Wakeling adds “It has been a challenging year to say the least but our new base has proved to be a real success and we have had some fantastic sailing and great social activities. We would like to say an enormous thank you to everybody who made our move possible and we were truly amazed at the support we received from far and wide. We are especially grateful to MDL Marinas and Dolphin Boatyard for welcoming us so warmly. The charity has gone from strength to strength and we are already making plans for next season.”
A busy programme of sailing, racing, courses and social activities were well attended despite some unpredictable weather when the season started in May from the charity’s new base at Dartside Quay. This season our 95 volunteers delivered 656 four hour sessions to individual sailors!
Several new initiatives have been launched this season including sessions for young and adult carers and many members have gained valuable Royal Yachting Association qualifications.
Highlights include:
The charity has 131 members (disabled sailors including children and volunteers)
It delivered 43 sailing days plus training courses throughout the season
Sailors enjoyed 386 sessions and groups 270 sessions – a total of 656 sessions!
250 individuals from groups based in Torbay and further afield enjoyed a wide range of activities
Sailors and volunteers undertook extensive on and off water inductions and training including health and safety and safeguarding
12 members gained the RYA’s Powerboat 2 qualification
Four children are working towards the RYA’s Sailability qualification and a keelboat instructors’ course is underway
Racing, sailing and social activities took place at Dittisham Sailing Club, the Royal Dart Yacht Club and Dart Haven Marina and the charity is extremely grateful for the support
We welcomed Young Adult Carers (YAKS) who have been invaluable volunteers throughout the season. The charity thanks them for their enthusiasm and dedication
The charity held three sessions for 30 young carers who enjoyed a barbecue with their families
One of our Hansa dinghies has been specially adapted enabling our youngest sailor, 11 year old Daisy, to win a race!
Popular social activities included a fish and chip evening at The Malsters pub attended by 40 people, the annual Sausage Sizzle held on a private beach thanks to a generous donor, a sun-drenched barbecue at the Royal Dart Yacht Club and another held on the last day’s sailing which 60 members attended
We were delighted to win the Dartmouth Mayflower 400 Best Dressed Vessel at the Dartmouth Regatta – starring an inflatable turkey and solemn Pilgrims!
The charity is now looking forward to a busy maintenance programme throughout the winter and welcomes any new members who would like to help. It costs about £25,000 per year to keep the charity afloat and fund raising activities continue throughout the year and donations are always very welcome.
To find out more about the charity please go to www.dartsailability.org
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