Ensuring that disability is not a barrier to experiencing the joy of sailing
New Members
Please contact membership@poolesailability.org.uk for more information
New Sailors
If you have never tried sailing before, welcome! Our members find sailing a breath of fresh air, you will meet some fantastic people in a very relaxed and supportive environment, and you are sure to learn loads. Sailing is great for mind, body and soul. Be inspired, find out answers to all the questions you have and take the first step on your boating journey in the beautiful scenic Poole Harbour.
Come and Sail with us
Poole Sailability welcomes anyone with a disability or long-term health condition to come and sail with us. We can accommodate various disabilities however, you should be able to board one of our boats unaided or with limited physical assistance, as we do not have a hoist. Children under 16 and some adults must be accompanied on site/onboard by a parent, enabler or carer.
If you are interested in becoming a new member you could apply directly via "membermojo" our membership system following the link HERE in this introductory letter or you can send an e-mail to membership@poolesailablity.org.uk
"I enjoyed every single minute" - Avril
"I recently did the big sail with sailability and the opportunity really is life changing, it really does make you feel as a disabled person that you can still do things you never thought possible. I would like to thank Parkstone Yacht Club, and skipper Andy Barnes and the crew ( sorry cant remember their names ) for taking me out on his boat, had such a amazing time, and wanted to say it made such a difference to me." - Jo
How to get involved
The best way to start is for you or a person you trust to send us an email – with your name(s), preferred email and phone number which will be confidential. We will get back to you to understand a bit more about you so that we can make the best plans for your sailing and confirm whether an adult enabler/carer will be needed . Most prospective members progress through a free come and try session or “trial sail” at Poole Yacht Club (how to find us). If you would prefer just to come and see what we do without committing to a trial sail that can be arranged.
Trial Sails – are usually on a Sunday morning or Wednesday afternoon. You will be greeted by a trained and accredited volunteer who will explain what will happen, talk about safety and then sail with you. They will help you to put on a lifejacket, introduce you to other members and your skipper who is in charge of your boat for the sail. After the session a volunteer will check out how you felt and discuss next steps. If you enjoy sailing with us and we are confident that we can take you sailing safely, you will be welcome to join as a Sailability member.
What to bring to a trial sail and any sailing session
We will provide a lifejacket for each sailing session.
Recommended items:-
• Warm clothing and a waterproof top (It’s always cooler on the water).
• A drink, a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Sensible footwear (old trainers are fine)(not wellies!)
"I joined Poole Sailability in 2011 when I was first medically retired just when I needed to refocus. Having not sailed previously,I felt at ease, and trusted in the expertise of the skipper. Poole Sailability helped me to remain as active as possible, build a new circle of friends, learn new skills and safely experience the thrill of sailing amongst considerate and knowledgeable volunteers.
I don't think about my disabilities when I'm out on the water and I feel incredibly fortunate to be a member of this organisation and cannot recommend Poole Sailability highly enough. I can't help but smile and enjoy the people and surroundings." - Dawn
Optional Items:-
• A change of clothing (sometimes – not often - there are splashes of water that come across the boat)
• A snack for during or after the sail
Poole Yacht CLub has a great clubhouse with catering and bar/cafe facilties good access. There are accessible changing rooms and toilets There are no toilets on the boats.
Poole Sailability Membership
When you become a member, we will send you joining instructions and tell you how to book a sail. There is a small annual membership fee, and no other charges. We aim to run two sailing sessions per week from Spring to Autumn for members. These are usually on Sunday mornings and Wednesday afternoons, although we sometimes have to cancel or amend the sessions if the weather is going to make sailing unsafe or unpleasant.
Progression
If you wish to progress, then you will be encouraged to steer (helm) the boat and help with the lines (ropes that control the sails). We will do our best to help you learn if that’s what you want to do. Come and develop your skills, take part in events and enjoy adventures and voyages on the water.
Further details:-
Please follow this link for the New Member “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ)
Please contact membership@poolesailability.org.uk for more information
