Bob Miller, Chief Sailing Instructor at Dart Sailability
I hate retirement. Not, you understand, the state of no longer having to work. I just hate the word. “Retirement” suggests an ending, a withdrawal. “Rebirth” would be a more accurate description for the time when I sold my travel business and contemplated all the opportunities that suddenly presented themselves to me.
The possibilities were endless. Travel, study, lower my golf handicap, start another business (no!), accept a physical challenge, buy a boat, discover the Picasso within me. These, and more, I did in the first few years (only Picasso eluded me) and whilst greatly enjoyed, I didn’t feel fulfilled by them.
Through friends I had heard about a charity, called Dart Sailability, which enables people with disabilities to sail. Having sailed dinghies for a number of years, I felt I might be of assistance and in no time at all I was drawn into this amazing organisation. Suddenly, I felt at home. I could sail on the beautiful River Dart, I could be part of a fun group of volunteers and sailing members and I could go home feeling I was doing something really useful. No more motivation was needed but, when a severely disabled young lady told me – “Bob when I’m sailing, I don’t feel disabled”, I was hooked.
What struck me with great force was the attitude of the disabled sailors. Whatever their handicaps, they were determined to have fun, to push themselves physically and to get the most out of their sailing whether taking part in a picnic cruise up river or competing for a cup in the Regatta.
Dart Sailability, I soon learned, is a very professional setup, which requires its volunteers to work to a high standard in all aspects of its operation. Soon I was attending a Royal Yachting Association course which taught me “the correct” way to sail and rewarded me with an instructor’s badge. Over time I acquired qualifications in First Aid, Power boating and Disability Awareness all of which gave me the confidence to help others and with the knowledge that I was doing it properly and above all, safely.
Two years ago, I was invited to take charge of the on-water activities as Chief Sailing Instructor and together with Andrew Cushen (Principal) and Richard Fellender (Chief Power Boat Instructor) we set about expanding the operation of the charity.
Our mission was and is to extend the scope of the organisation by offering power boating, encourage a higher level of competitive sailing and to develop close links with Dartmouth’s Yacht Clubs and the boating fraternity.
Our fleet of sixteen boats has now been augmented by a second Sonar keelboat and this Paralympic class vessel will provide an opportunity for those sailors who want to improve their racing skills and perhaps even join an Olympic team one day. For the less mobile, last year we commissioned a bespoke power boat which can accommodate up to 12 sailors, including 4 in wheelchairs. It is based on an aluminium landing craft design but modified for wheelchair users including those dependent on heavy motorised vehicles. Their access to the boat is safe and physically manageable for both users and volunteer helpers. It’s proving a very popular addition to the fleet and is much admired by other River users.
Dart Sailability is an integral part of the River Dart community and everyone associated with it - sailors, volunteers, fund raisers - enrich their own lives and the lives of others. We welcome anyone who would like to join us, whether ashore or afloat. I cannot see myself stopping for some time, but I occasionally wonder if I will ever retire.
If you are interested in joining Dart Sailability they can be contacted through www.dartsailability.org
First published By The Dart March 2016 issue