Ensuring that disability is not a barrier to experiencing the joy of sailing
Poole Sailability Introduction & History
Origins
Poole Sailability was set up in September 1995, in a partnership between Bournemouth and Poole College and Rockley Watersports. The project was run by Dave Pollard (a keen sailor) who was a college lecturer alongside Gaz Harrison a senior instructor at Rockley. Dave brought people with learning difficulties to Rockley for their 'leisure' activity to go out sailing on Wednesday afternoons. At that time, it was known as “The Poole Watersports Project” and catered for students with learning difficulties and /or a disability.
Development
A committee was established in 1996 by members representing the disabled community. Poole Sailability had a disabled chairperson Tony Heaton, and Peter Gordon who owns Rockley Watersports was also involved and on the committee for a while. At that time, they started looking at grant funding and producing the first website.
Establishment
In 2002 Poole Sailability separated from The College and became independent and foundation status was granted by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). From 2004 until 2013 Poole Sailability operated under the unofficial umbrella of Rockley Watersports who offered them the use of toilets and changing rooms and, when needed, their classrooms.
Charity Registered
In 2008 Poole Sailability achieved the status of a registered Charity with the Charities Commission and this has enabled Poole Sailability to access more funding opportunities as well as reduce overall running costs.
From 2008 the Charity acquired Hawk 20 Day boats replacing their Wayfarer dinghies. They also relocated from Rockley Watersports to Rockley Boat Yard with its boat storage, launching and mooring facilities. The boatyard is part of Bourne Leisure who have supported Poole Sailability for many years. In 2026 the Trustees decided to move the operations to Poole Yacht Club entering into a strong mutually beneficial partnership agreement.
Charity Changes
In 2016, Poole Sailability changed its charitable structure to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) a new form of legal entity. The organisation has a management committee of 6 trustees elected from within the membership and is affiliated to the Royal Yachting Association (RYA).
There are historical links with the RYA and local organisations in the wider community including Parkstone and Poole Yacht Clubs, disabled peoples’ Associations, schools and colleges, Poole CVS, and Poole Borough Council.
During 2017 they ran two sailing session each week delivering 450 sailing places and received a more than 80% satisfaction rating from our members. In 2019 Poole Sailability had a fleet of four “Hawk 20” day boats and a safety/rescue boat with over 30 disabled sailors sailing regularly supported by about 40 volunteer helpers. Members also had the opportunity to take part in sail training and racing during Poole Week in conjunction with Parkstone Yacht Club.
New Strategy
In 2024 Poole Sailability agreed a new 5-year strategy, clarifying its Vision, Mission, Aims and Objectives and Values. The strategy sets out the key actions for the long-term future of the Charity and its important services. Due to a generous legacy donation, Poole Sailability acquired a new safety boat named “Barbican”.
In the same year Poole Sailability had 40 members and 30 volunteers and delivered a significant number of sessions, despite the unfavourable weather for most of the season. Additionally, members benefitted from a number of “big boat” sail voyages with Parkstone Yacht Club members taking disabled people out to sea.
The Future
The key challenge outlined in the strategy was ensuring a long-term base for the charities boats and activities and the trustees have identified that Poole Yacht CLub will be that base.
There is always an ongoing need for donations to cover increasing operational and one-off costs. We also, at times, need targeted funding, such as for new sails for our boats in 2022/23. We also want to increase the number of members and volunteers to ensure strong progression for the coming years.
