Plain Sailing for Remarkable! Club
On 9th July, 10 Remarkable Club members and their support workers got up early for an extra special event: a sailing experience with disability charity Tideway Sailability. After walking from Canada Water, our experienced captain Tom explained to us the types of boat we would be using and how to stay safe on the water. All our members were asked if they wanted to be on a group boat or, for the more adventurous sailors, on their own.
After everyone was comfortable in their life jackets, the first group set sail! With the help of a hoist to assist our wheelchair using members, the group climbed into the boats and started learning about which ropes to pull (and which ropes not to!). They were guided by a group of expert volunteers - a couple of whom had sailed across the Atlantic ocean, so we knew we were in safe hands.
It was a very still day with very little wind, so every gust was appreciated to help get some speed on the water! Our members spent the next hour floating around the beautiful basin, relaxing in the sun, getting to know the local family of swans, and learning all about how to sail. It was a wonderful challenge for those who opted to sail on their own with a volunteer, as they were responsible so making sure the boat was heading in the right direction!
Once the sailing was finished, everyone was exhausted from the fun and the sun. We sat in the shade and recovered from the excitement with some lunch and cold drinks. Multiple members immediately asked us if we could return.
Sailing with Tideway Sailability was a brilliant activity that encouraged independence, communication, and teamwork within our group. Members left feeling proud of their achievements and hopefully excited for more water sports in the future!
Thank you to Tideway Sailability for making this so easy, accessible and safe for our members. Also thank you to our generous funders, the City Bridge Foundation and and National Lottery Community Fund for making this activity possible.
