Sailability at the Show

RYA Sailability were demonstrating some of the problems faced by people with disabilities

Visitors to this year's Dinghy Sailing Show at Alexandra Palace had the option to take part in a whole host of interactive events with RYA Sailability. The charity's stand featured a Challenger Trimaran and an Access Dinghy, both of which had been specially adapted for people with disabilities.

Sailability awareness activities for visitors included trying out equipment such as a hoist used to assist people with disabilities in and out of the boats, and development of communication skills by navigating their way safely around the stand while blindfolded.

Dean Abra, an experienced disabled sailor, commented: "I am used to getting in and out of boats all the time but it's great that able-bodied people have had the chance to experience the challenges faced by sailors with disabilities."

Sean Evans, after volunteering to be blindfolded, said: "I can't imagine how difficult it must be to learn to sail if you have no sight. I could barely get from one side of the stand to the other without being able to see, let alone navigate my way around a boat. I think it's fantastic that RYA Sailability has such a good presence at the Dinghy Sailing show. It showed visitors that people with disabilities actually can, and do, enjoy sailing."

The Challenger Trimaran displayed on the stand belonged to Geoff Holt, the paraplegic sailor about to embark on his 'Personal Everest' Challenge when he sails single-handed round the UK in May, raising funds for Sailability. He unveiled his boat at the show prior to its royal launch and was on hand to talk to visitors about his experiences as a sailor with disabilities and how he got involved with RYA Sailability.

Geoff commented: "The popularity of the Sailability stand was incredible. First-time visitors realised that the RYA allows everyone to be equal on the water and lots of sailing club members said that they would be going back to their clubs to tell people about the Access and Challenger dinghies that could be sailed by disabled people. In fact, White Formula, who make the Challenger, had many enquiries about the boat after seeing it on our stand!"

Dame Ellen MacArthur, who was a keynote speaker at the show, visited the RYA Sailability stand and spoke to Geoff about his forthcoming challenge, as well as signing t-shirts for some of the many volunteers who helped out over the weekend.