Sonar-at-regatta
Sonar-at-regatta
Dart Sailability has a Successful Year
Dart Sailability Group has had a successful and enjoyable season during which 98 sailors with disabilities took to the water over 30 sessions. This is all made possible through the hard work and dedication of a passionate band of 49 volunteers and the generosity of the sponsors. Mark Farries, the Principal and Senior Instructor, said “In spite of the terrible wet weather we kept going with only five cancellations. I would like to thank all the volunteers on the shore, on the pontoon and on the water who have given up so much time to help Dart Sailability and have always done so with a smile, particularly those who pumped the rain out of the boats every week.”
Students from Bidwell Brook, Mayfield and Oaklands Park special schools come along to Dart Sailability on Tuesday mornings to participate in the RYA’s On Board scheme for young people. They qualify for Bronze, Silver or Gold achievement awards as they learn how to sail. From the feedback received Sailability knows that they enjoy the programme of sailing available to them in the different boats.
The summer of 2012 was eventful and enjoyable. On 4th June Dart Sailability took part in the 60 boat flotilla on the River Dart to commemorate and celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. In a colourful and noisy, but orderly line, they sailed from the mouth of the river to Dittisham and back, and gave final cheer to the Lord Lieutenant, the Queen’s representative, at the end. In August we got into the Olympic spirit with our own sailing race and medals for the winners.
Yacht racing has been a triumph on many levels and it enables disabled people to compete with others as equals. It is a form of mobility that can be quite sensational. DSG congratulates everyone who competes in the many and varied races. At the end of August their 23’ Sonar took part in the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta over four days. In variable, but generally good weather conditions and with different crews of mixed abilities they won the Keelboat series for the first time. Congratulations to the various skippers and crews for managing the hectic, competitive situations of yacht racing against very determined and able competition.
Robert Boyd said “As a disabled sailor of the DSG since 2001 and the Group’s Chairman, I would like to thank everyone for making Dart Sailability such a delightful Group. It provides support, friendship, recreational and competitive sailing that improves the condition of our lives. We are indebted to all the volunteers”. DSG is keen to attract more sailors with disabilities, particularly those who would like to learn to sail or to race. They are also seeking new volunteers, both shore-based and afloat, to assist with making the Group such a success. No experience is necessary; RYA training is provided.
First published March/April 2013 By The Dart
www.dartsailability.org.