TEXT ONLY...
Largest Text.
Medium Text...
Smallest Text...
Lead to Encourage Activities Participation and Sport
***
***
***
***
Introduction
Sailing is a popular activity amongst our membership of disabled people.
LEAPS have encountered difficulties in finding suitable clubs with the necessary adaptive equipment and supportive staff within the north east, however, members with a range of disabilities have experienced sailing on visits to the Calvert Trust at Keswick and at Kielder water.
Calvert Trust Keswick
Both of these fantastic venues benefit from having helpful and friendly staff members with experience of people with disabilities, or who are nervous about the activities. It was the quality of the staff that allowed and encouraged everybody to have a try.
Calvert Trust – web link www.calvert-trust.org.uk
LEAPS Rating = 5 
Sailing on Scaling Dam with Sailability
It was a lovely Wednesday afternoon. The sailing conditions were as good as you can get. The sky was blue and the sun shone.
After I was carefully transferred by hoist by trained volunteers onto the Challenger trimaran the craft was lowered down the launch ramp into the water.
With skipper Graham instructing us we made our way down the Dam at about 6 knots. Graham gave excellent and clear directions so I could steer the trimaran. I felt the wind in my face and occasional water spray came over the bow.
We then tacked stage by stage back up the Dam, making good progress as we caught the wind.
This was an outstanding experience in ideal conditions. Although it was only my third time in a trimaran I feel I am learning to gauge our speed through the sound the water makes against the craft as she moves along.
As a blind disabled person I found Graham’s style of instruction was easy to follow. I would not hesitate to go sailing again with Sailability at Scaling Dam Sailing Club. I am now considering that at some time I will become a member of Sailability.
Days like this are a chance for Sailability volunteers and me to learn and develop valuable skills and confidence in sailing and communication techniques.
Looking forward to my next session!
Calvert Trust Kielder Water
LEAPS members are looking forward to a trip to Kielder water and participating in sailing
Other Sailing Clubs
LEAPS are currently in communication with another two sailing clubs, to negotiate more regular sailing activity in our local area.