* Sailing for people
with disabilities

Sailability - Sailing for the Disabled

Frensham Pond Sailability aims to provide first class sailing facilities for disabled people. Frensham Pond Sailability is based at the beautiful setting of Frensham Pond Sailing Club, near Farnham in Surrey. The sailing club prides itself on the quality of its racing, training and safety programmes for people of all ages and abilities.

History of Disabled Sailing at Frensham

Disabled sailing at Frensham started 1982. It was run by FDSAD, founded by Peter Hooper, a very energetic double amputee, who felt that disabled people were not being given the sporting opportunities that they rightly deserved.

At first, FDSAD had just four members and one trusty Wayfarer dinghy to introduce people who had never sailed before to the delights of sailing. In 1997, Lottery funding enabled the Association to install a hoist and purchase another Wayfarer fitted with chairs for people who have difficulty supporting themselves. In 1998, a second-hand Challenger trimaran was obtained. This proved so popular that in 2000 another new Challenger was funded through the Diana Campbell Trust. Two new Access dinghies were also purchased in 2000.

In 1999, with disabled sailing going from strength to strength, FPSC, in partnership with FDSAD, decided to seek a major improvement in the facilities and activities for disabled sailors at Frensham. Now complete, the organisation of disabled sailing is called Frensham Pond Sailability.

Launch of Frensham Pond Sailability

Frensham Pond Sailability was officially launched on 22 September 2001 by the Rt. Hon. Lord Wakenham, marking the successful completion of a £238,000 project funded by grants from Sport England Lottery Fund, Waverley Borough Council and over 40 other organisations, together with FPSC funds and member donations.

The primary aims of the project were to make the club more accessible to disabled sailors, and to maximise the integration of disabled sailors into club activities. FPS can now provide disabled sailors, either individually or in groups, with a full range of dinghy sailing, from cruising around Frensham Pond to competitive racing in Paralympic class mini-keelboats.

What sailing does Frensham Pond Sailability offer?

Organised sailing for disabled sailors takes place between May and October, on Saturday and Thursday mornings. It is anticipated that sailing will also be offered on a second weekday in the near future. Helpers and qualified instructors are always on-site to enable you to do just what you want. Using very stable and traditional Wayfarer or GP14 dinghies, you can be taken for a cruise on the lake enjoying the local scenery and wildlife. Alternatively, you can, if you wish, learn to sail independently and competitively using the Access 2.1 and 303 dinghies, Challenger trimarans or 2.4m mini-keelboats.

The Access and Challenger dinghies are designed for disabled sailors to sail solo, the former also having the option of using power controls operated by a joystick similar to that used on a wheelchair. There is also a two-seater version of the Access dinghy for instruction. Both are designed not to capsize. Disabled sailors are encouraged to participate as fully as possible within the regular sailing and social activities of Frensham Pond Sailing Club.

Who can sail?

Novice and experience sailors, aged from 10 onwards, with a very wide range of disabilities are very welcome. A statement is required from you doctor confirming that you disability is compatible with sailing. We welcome individuals attending independently and organisations supporting disabled people, subject to discussion and agreement on resource requirements.

Just because you have not sailed before is no reason for not having a go. It is a great sport. We are sure that you will enjoy it. Ask other members - the majority had not sailed before joining us.

Accessibility

Shore facilities include level concrete paths to all buildings, concrete parking area, a dedicated changing room toilet/shower, and relatively easy water access. FPS has two Oxford hoists to allow sailors to be lifted from a wheelchair straight into a boat alongside the jetty or whilst the boat is on shore.

FPS will supply you with buoyancy aids and sailing waterproofs if raining or windy. All you need to supply is soft footwear (training shoes) and a change of clothing if you think you may get wet. You may wish to bring a member of your family or a helper with you.

FPS has been awarded RYA Sailability Foundation Entry Level Status for the quality of its facilities for disabled sailors.

Training Opportunities

Sailing skills are taught by qualified and experienced volunteer sailing instructors, either informally or as part of the RYA National Dinghy Certificate Scheme. FPSC is an RYA Recognised Training Establishment. Other courses are regularly available, such as Safety Boat operation of Disability Awareness training courses.

Social Activities

FPSC and FDSAD organise various activities during the year, including skittle evenings, talks, visits to the theatre, canal trips, summer BBQs and social evenings. A Frensham Pond Sailability Social Committee of disabled members is currently being formed. So you could be the instigators of your activities.