Accessible sailing

 

 

On Wednesday I went sailing! I'm such a water baby I love rivers, oceans, swimming, sailing, anything to do with been in or close to water.
 

I contacted a local organisation called EAST (east anglian sailing trust) and asked to come along for one of their sailing sessions.
 

I arrived quite anxious not knowing what to expect apart from that there would be boats and other disabled adults. There is disabled parking in front of the building which is like a community centre. There was a social club kind of air to the gathering and there were adults mostly older than myself but all with some kind of disability. The building has a small ramp at the front and two large accessible toilets inside.
 

Once we were all there and had all been given life jackets we travelled down to the ramps onto a pontoon where there were several small sailing boats and a hoist. Slings were provided to those that needed hoisting but the organisers were also open to allowing people *cough* me *cough* to be stubbornly independent and find a safe way onto the boat without been hoisted.

 

The boats also had stable seats with a harness for those that cannot sit up themselves and extended rudders so everyone can have a go steering.
 

The weather looked a bit ominous and dark clouds were overhead but I spent two amazing hours out on the river and caught some amazing photos. I steered for some of the time and just sat back and enjoyed the experience the rest of the time.

Once back there was a cafe in the centre selling teas, coffees, hot chocolates and cakes or toasties. This was a good chance to chat to the other sailors and warm up with a hot chocolate.

 

The sailing is run by volunteers who are trained and have experience in keelboat sailing and first aid. There is also an option to have a carer accompany you.
 

EAST Sailing sessions are run from Levington marina in ipswich, UK on Wednesdays and Tuesday afternoons and evenings. You can contact them via phone on 01473 655509 or email at keelboatsec@e-a-s-t.org.uk

 

That's it for this week, check back next week for my post on Orthotics for EDS.
 

As always thanks for reading,

 

Laura :)