Sailability provides people with disabilities with the opportunity to go sailing and to enjoy the sense of freedom and independence that this gives them, together with social benefits – all in the fresh air. New volunteers, who will receive full training, are very welcome.
This activity is good for wellbeing because
- It involves physical activity in the outdoors
- It enables people to connect with others
- It gives the opportunity to learn new skills
“It’s a bit like figure skating, I don’t have the body for it, but sailing is like this joyous movement. All we are missing is the music.’’ – Sailability User
How to contact
Where to go
Peterborough Sailability
Ham Lane
Peterborough
UK
See what it looks like from a sailboat while Richard talks about roles and opportunities for Sailability volunteers:
Sharon talks about how she got into volunteering for Sailability and what she gets out of it:
Find out why Denis and Alan volunteer with Sailability:
Peterborough Sailability was launched in 2006. Nationally, Sailability has over 200 locations across the UK and further afield, supported by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). Peterborough Sailability has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Volunteering for their work.
What to expect
Peterborough Sailability operates from 10am to 4pm every Tuesday and Thursday from April to the end of October, and is entirely volunteer run, with no paid staff.
They run over 3,000 sailing sessions each season, have over 200 disabled sailors registered with them and 60 active volunteers.
Peterborough Sailability provides sailing sessions for people with disabilities, who can enjoy the outdoors, feel freedom on the water, be active, learn new skills and build confidence. Their sailors don’t need any sailing experience, but they are encouraged to undertake Bronze, Silver & Gold awards, and for those who are able, some go on to complete the RYA levels 1 & 2 certification.
Each sailing session lasts for 30 minutes. Sailors must book in advance, and pay on the day by cash or card, and they must be accompanied by a relative or carer.
Volunteer!
Volunteers are the heartbeat of Peterborough Sailability. Sailability is suitable for complete beginners! It doesn't matter if you can't sail (yet). There are so many ways you can make a difference on dry land, so that sailors have a safe, fun and welcoming experience. Wherever your talents lie, you can put them to good use. Volunteers perform many roles, including administration, bookings, shore crew (to launch and retrieve the boats), kitting out the sailors with lifejackets etc. before their sailing sessions, and acting as sailing “buddies” by accompanying the sailors on the boats. The volunteer buddy will sail the boat on behalf of the disabled sailor, tailoring the experience depending upon the sailor’s disability and level of skill.
Volunteers can receive free training in the RYA 1, 2 & 3 sailing certification, powerboat training, quad bike induction, first aid and safeguarding.
It is not necessary for volunteers to commit to both Tuesdays and Thursdays. Some volunteers come for a few hours only.
More information
Volunteers and sailors receive free parking in Ferry Meadows on sailing days.
Accessible toilets and showers are available in the adjacent Nene Park Watersports Centre, and public toilets are available in the nearby car park.
Sailors are provided with lifejackets and waterproofs, however they should wear clothing suitable for the weather conditions. The site is fully accessible and hoists are available for those who need them.
Volunteers are provided with buoyancy aids, waders and other clothing.
In the event of strong winds, torrential rain or extreme heat, the Senior Instructor will assess whether sailing can take place. If the wind or other weather conditions are considered unsuitable, the sailing session will be “black flagged”(cancelled) and volunteers and sailors will be informed via the volunteers' WhatsApp group, Facebook and by a notification on their website.
Sailors and volunteers are provided with free parking. Volunteers are given free training up through RYA levels 1 & 2, first aid, and safeguarding. Free DBS checks are also carried out.
Each session has a cost per session (30 minutes), see their website to find out current costs.
Sailors must book in advance, and pay on the day by cash or card, and they must be accompanied by a relative or carer. To book a sail or amend a booking please phone: +44 7948 262919 (Sailing Days only).
How to contact
Where to go
Peterborough Sailability
Ham Lane
Peterborough
UK
