Alicia Kearns MP visited Rutland Water to meet with Rutland Sailability and Rutland Sailing Club to learn more about the training and sailing opportunities on offer. 

Rutland Sailability facilitates safe and fun sailing for people with disabilities, providing accessible boats and equipment at a fully accessible venue. The group meets every Thursday and Saturday from April to October, weather permitting, and also holds a series of talks and training throughout the Winter months. 

Alicia spoke to the sailors and the team of volunteers who run Rutland Sailability to learn about the specialist boats which members enjoy the use of. 

Alicia also met with members of the Rutland Sailing Club, hearing about their success at the Youth and Junior Championships which took place on Rutland Water last month. 

You can sail a range of boats at Rutland Water. Image credit: Nub News.

Rutland Sailing Club's Sailing Committee explained more about the Club's role in organising open meetings, championships and training at the venue, specialising in dinghy and catamaran sailing. 

Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton, said: "It was a pleasure to meet so many talented sailors, and hear more about the wonderful facilities and extensive training on offer all year round at the stunning setting of Rutland Water. 

"There is so much on offer here, and we should be very proud to have such an amazing club locally which creates international winners. A huge good luck to Logan from Rutland Sailability who will be the youngest person to represent Great Britain at the Hansa World Sailing Championships in Portugal next week. 

"If you've never sailed before, or even if you have years of experience, the courses here cater for everyone, and what better way to finish off a sail than by enjoying the beautiful views from the Clubhouse balcony!" 

Nick Neve, Rutland Sailing Club Commodore, said: "It was a great pleasure to welcome Alicia and her team to Rutland Sailing Club where they were able to meet a variety of members and to experience the great healthy outdoor sport of sailing. We look forward to seeing them again for some more sailing. 

"During the visit, Alicia learnt how Youth and Sailability groups at the Club have helped young people and adults, including those with neurodiversity, to enjoy our sport and to develop their own confidence and independence. This transcends all aspects of their lives. 

"We discussed how Alicia and her team could work with Rutland Sailing Club and Rutland Sailability to develop this programme for the wider community." 

On top of offering sailing opportunities for sailors of all levels, Rutland Sailing Club is also a social space for sailors and spectating members to enjoy good company, drinks and food.

The club are currently looking for caters to take over from the current team, who will be vacating the club kitchens in December.

Join the fun at Rutland Sailing Club. Image credit: Nub News.

David Wilkins, Rutland Sailing Club Rear Commodore, said: "It was a great honour and pleasure to welcome Alcia Kearns and her team to Rutland Sailing Club where there were able to experience the great outdoor healthy sport of sailing. We hope to have converted them to become keen sailors in the future. 

"Also during the visit we were able to discuss how Sailability and Youth groups at the club have helped to develop young people and adults and those with special needs to use the sport to develop their own independence and confidence that transcends all aspects of their lives." 

This comes as youth sailors from the club are raising funds to represent Rutland, and team GB, in Australia at a World Championships event.

Find out more, including how to support the team, here.

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