Tideway Sailability
    Sailing for all abilities               RYA centre of excellence


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Welcome to Tideway Sailability

– a sailing club in south east London that is committed to making sailing more accessible to the people of London no matter what their ability.

We are one of 200 sailability clubs across the UK offering disabled people, their friends, carers and families the opportunity to learn to sail and take part in an activity where life can be a bit different.

Sailing for the disabled and disabled sailing are 'keywords' included in the website which might show this site to a wider audience via search engines.

About Tideway: The club is a registered charity and with the support of its members, volunteers and donators we are able to offer a unique experience in a very accessible part of London. No matter what your ability ask yourself 'What’s stopping me from coming down and having a go?' If you can’t find the answer on this site then please contact us for a friendly chat or to arrange a ‘taster’ sail.

I think it is important for me to try and make clear to you the nature of Tideway. We are an integrated club par excellence - the model of many Sailability groups is that of a group of magnificent volunteers who enable sailing for disabled people. We buck that trend. We do have volunteers ie some sailors prefer not to pay membership but work out their fees by giving us time. Otherwise everyone pays according as to whether they are earning or not - NOT according as to whether they are disabled or not. And all these members also double up as volunteers - everyone in Tideway has something to offer even if it is simply inspirational by being brave enough to sail against all the odds. Carers also count as full members even though they don't pay fees - their part is to enable the person who they care for to get to Tideway and to assist us in getting him/her comfortably into the boats. We offer free sailing training to carers so that they can take a fuller part if they wish. - Clare Gray / Commodore

‘Everything changes once you get into the boat. Some things are more difficult, some much easier. Even your mood changes. Being on the water brings everything from exhilaration to tranquillity.’

RYA Sailability





           


What's stopping you?

Transportation!

Close to Canada Water and Surrey Quays tube stations (Jubilee and East London lines of the London Underground) and numerous bus routes (199; 1; 381; 47; 188; 225). Tideway has good public transport links. Our network of members and volunteers are also there to solve these logistic issues - contact us to discuss your needs. See our Location link.

I am not confident around or in water!

Being comfortable and calm in and on the water is important. We provide life jackets for those who cannot swim and whilst getting wet is all part of sailing, falling in is not. If you feel that learning to swim would help then contact your local swimming baths. - We are able to provide advice but each persons needs are different.
 Swimming useful links:

http://www.londonsportsforum.org.uk/swimming.html

I cannot sail!

Many of our members started as non-sailors, many still just enjoy the freedom of the water with our support. Others have started to race and learn the finer points of boat and sail trim.

I cannot afford it?

The annual (01 April to 31 March) cost is £52 for people who are in paid work, £26 for those who aren't and £64 per year for families and groups. Try our taster sail.