THE HOME OF THE GWENNILI TRUST
Irrespective of age or disability, yacht sailing is easily accessible through the Gwennili Trust. Whether you are a first time sailor or an experienced sea dog we have something for you.
We spent the day on a 35 ft wheelchair accessible catamaran called “The Spirit of Scott Bader”. The time and the opportunities that the Gwennili Trust gives are focused on making sailing accessible for everybody, including wheelchair users like me. The crew were all very friendly and given the opportunity I would definitely go again. I would recommend going if you are thinking about it.
Katherine Toomey,13
Our Sailing Programme ranges from simple day sails in the Solent on a wheelchair friendly catamaran to longer cruises to France and the Channel Islands on conventional yachts (weather of course permitting).
We have many years experience providing yacht sailing opportunities to people with a wide range of disabilities whether visually impaired, with learning difficulties or of limited mobility. In fact a significant part of our activities are based on vessels which have been purpose built for wheelchair users.
The Trust has access to and charters a variety of vessels to suit these events and operates them with appropriately RYA certified volunteers. Most of our events are run out of Portsmouth during the sailing season of April to September but there are also opportunities to participate from other south coast locations.
Events are subsidised by the Trust and costs are kept to a minimum. Our charges start from as little as £15 per day.
We also run practical training courses which can provide people with disabilities RYA certification to Competent Crew, Day Skipper and above.
Take a look at our Sailing Programme to find something to suit your needs or if you have a particular requirement, contact us and we will see what we can do.
Watch a video on www.ryasailability.tv of a typical day sail on the wheelchair accessible catamaran Spirit of Scott Bader