On Thursday 27 April, Rutland Sailability hosted the maiden voyage of their brand new boat gifted by The Rotary Club of Stamford. 

Members from the Rotary clubbed together to raise over £3,500 to fund the purchase of a new Fusion boat and accompanying trailer. 

Sailability sailors getting ready to launch. Image credit: Nub News.

Sailability are a nationwide charity enabling disabled and older sailors to access the water. 

Rutland Sailability have over 25 years' experience of facilitating safe sailing for people with disabilities at the delightful setting of Rutland Water. They offer a range of training and sailing opportunities for those with every level of sailing skill - beginners to elite.

The organisation provide accessible boats and equipment, in an accessible venue, with the support of a great team of friendly, experienced volunteers.

They welcome sailors with a disability, and able-bodied volunteers, and age is no barrier. They currently have members from 7 to 87 years old! 

The Rotary Club of Stamford has, with addition of a Rotary District Grant, provided £3,646.50 to provide the boat for disabled sailors and team at Rutland Sailability. 

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The group opted to purchase a Fusion for the group as it offers a bit more speed and style than some of their larger trimaran Challengers. Challengers cannot capsize, ensuring that they are safe for users with a variety of disabilities. 

The group previously donated a Challenger modified so that the sailors can steer it just with a turn of the head. 

Rutland Sailability also have Challengers for their less mobile members. Image credit: Nub News.

The newly-donated Fusion is not so high tech, and is suitable for the more able sailors participating with Rutland Sailability. 

Sailing the new boat, as yet unnamed, was Charlie, an autistic sailor with Rutland Sailability who thrives out on the water. 

Charlie said: "It's great to have a Fusion as I love them. I love being out on the water and independent." 

Charlie couldn't wait to get the boat out on the water. Image credit: Nub News.

Sailability are welcoming new volunteers year-round, and any interested locals can find out more on their website.

Weather permitting, they sail every Thursday and Saturday from April to October. From November to March they meet on Thursdays for an interesting series of talks, training and socialising.

For those looking for the social aspect of these community groups, but who aren't keen to get out on the water, The Rotary Club of Stamford are also accepting members. Find out more online. 

Alternatively, get in touch to share your own good-news stories by emailing [email protected].

We look forward to hearing from you.