Imagine being out on the water, feeling the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. For many people with disabilities, this is a dream that seems out of reach – but Cowes Sailability Club changes that.

A registered charity, we provide sailing opportunities for people with disabilities and long-term debilitating medical conditions. It is absolutely essential for us to have a safety boat, so that help is on hand if needed, whenever sailing activities are taking place. However, our current safety boat, Zebedee, is fast approaching the end of her usable life. If we do not have a replacement safety vessel ready to use by early 2025, the future of accessible sailing on the Isle of Wight will be in jeopardy.

That's why we're launching an urgent appeal for funding to purchase a new rigid inflatable boat (RIB) that will keep our sailors safe and allow them to enjoy the freedom of sailing. With your support, we can reach our fundraising goal of £60,000 GBP and continue to provide lifechanging experiences for people with disabilities.

Commodore Roger Sutton emphasises just how critical this fundraising campaign is for the future of the charity. “Having a reliable RIB is absolutely critical,” he says. “For the safety of our members with disabilities and our volunteers, we have to have a RIB in the water whenever sailing takes place. No safety boat, no sailing. It’s as simple as that.”

Being on the water can significantly improve the wellness and mental health of people who face daily challenges in their lives. A central part of our purpose is to combat social marginalisation by providing disabled people with accessible activities near where they live. Our aim is to help them live a full life and engage in an activity that might otherwise be denied to them due to inaccessibility, cost, or location.

“I had always dreamed of sailing but due to my disability it was a dream out of reach,” explains Phil, who participates regularly in activities organised by Cowes Sailability Club. “All the kind-hearted people at Cowes Sailability made it possible for dreams to come true. They are all so friendly and kind which simply enhances the fabulous time I have on the water. Thank you so much Cowes Sailability Club, you have changed my life.”

Thank you to everyone who supports this campaign.