The Disabled Sailors Association has seen a significantly increased demand for its sailing facilities. This follows the closure of the Jubilee Sailing Trust.
In response, they are building a wheelchair-accessible, ocean-going catamaran. It will not only continue but enhance the opportunities JST once provided.
The ‘Children’s Catamaran’ project is an initiative designed specifically for young disabled people in wheelchairs. They make up the most active and engaged part of the Disabled Sailors sailing community.
So far, £800,000 of the £1.8 million needed to bring this incredible vessel to life has been raised. Thanks to generous support of the Scott Bader Resin Company, construction has already begun. And it is hoped to launch the yacht in time for the associations 30th anniversary in September 2026.
The Disabled Sailors Association is run by volunteers chaired by Mike Wood. Her has launched an appeal for funds to complete the project.
Severely injured in a road accident in 1978, he damaged his spinal cord and was paralysed from the chest down.
As a wheelchair user, he began sailing in 1989. He quickly found that those who provided sailing for disabled people had little or no provision for those with more complex disabilities.
Royal Launch
So, he designed and built the first yacht that any disabled person could sail in as crew or as a passenger. It him took two years to do the research and form a Charity. And then a further two years before Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal launched his first boat Verity K.
Since then, the DSA has grown considerably, designing and building their current catamaran, Spirit of Scott Bader. They have also provided specially adapted single and twin seater dinghies. These are used by the DSA, on loan to individuals and Sailing Clubs based all over the UK.
70% of disabled sailors are aged 5 to 25. The new Children’s Catamaran will facilitate every disabled and disadvantaged young person in the UK who would like to sail. Allowing them to take advantage of our sail training opportunities, including RYA and Duke of Edinburgh qualifications.
To donate funds, click here.