What is it? Dinghy sailing for serving or ex Armed Forces personnel of all ages, at Tideway Sailability in London’s Docklands.
Who is it for? The event is aimed at all serving & ex Armed Forces personnel of all ages and abilities who wish to experience the sport of dinghy sailing. Bringing together serving and ex Armed Forces people, both those injured in combat and those with or without other disabilities.
Tideway Sailability has accessibility systems and boats with modifications specifically for those with an injury or a disability.
Our wide-ranging fleet of boats include specially designed dinghies that you sit in rather than on and will not capsize, some of our boats even have electric servo-assisted motors for the rudder and sails that can be operated by a wheelchair style joystick, and even a chin control unit for those without the use of both hands.
Once on the water you will very quickly realise how equal we are when sailing, irrespective of disability. We sail as a leisure activity and also compete in racing, our most competitive racer is paraplegic; with the use of one hand to operate the controls he has just won a Gold medal in the Access Dinghy World Championship - come along and sail with a World Champion!
Do I have to have an injury or disability? NO – We sail equally and the event is aimed at bringing together all serving or ex Armed Forces personnel to enjoy the sport along with that unique Armed Forces camaraderie and banter, irrespective of disability or not.
Can’t sail, don’t want to sail We also welcome volunteers who can provide assistance to others, such as in the operation of hoists to gently lift people in and out of wheelchairs/boats or to act as buddy sailors for those with visual impairment.
Will I get wet? NO – splashed maybe, our specially designed boats enable people with a disability to sail without the risk of ending up in the water.
What is the age group? We have a mixture of all generations from teens to 82 years young, whatever your age or physical ability we have a boat for you!
Who will be there? The event is 100% run by volunteers including serving and ex Armed Forces personnel plus professionally qualified dinghy instructors.
Where is it? Tideway Sailability (www.TidewaySailability.org) Surrey Docks Watersports Centre, Greenland Dock, Rope Street, London SE16 7SX.
When is it? Usually the last Tuesday of the month from 10.00 to 16.00, please contact us for exact dates
How do I book?
Please telephone 020 7237 9001 or send an email to: forces@tidewaysailability.org
