We have a fleet of boats that are be suitable for a disabled person to sail or to crew. Seven Access’ dinghies single-handed small boats and three Sports 16 dinghies, which can carry up to, five people. These boats are speciality designed for people with disabilities and are relatively stable. We also have a Drascombe Lugger, which is very stable and which is good for those who are a bit concerned about the water.We now have 2 SONAR 23ft open keelboats which are highly competitive racing machines but can also be taken out for cruises. We race them with the Sussex Yacht Club fleet. We have a hoist to help people who would find it too difficult to get in or out of a dinghy on their own and a range of buoyancy aids and waterproof clothing. We have a lot of enthusiastic volunteers who will make sure you get the best out of your time with us.

Sailability ran sixteen sessions for disabled people last year as well as a Sailing week at which tuition was given to club members. In addition the Sonars sailed independently for 30 days including local races and competing in Cowes Week. There are volunteers to help rig, launch, recover, wash and put away the boats and also to assist the less proficient on the water (More are always welcome!). We ran inshore and cruising session for a total of 90 disabled people.

A number of sailors who started with the Sailability sessions now sail regularly with the able-boded dinghy racing section of the club. Four members of Sailability have also qualified in the RYA powerboat level II course. Over the year we have had a variety of disabilities: learning difficulties, hearing impaired, sight impaired and wheelchair users.