• The Burro Dragon

  • Some of the helpers at the bag pack Shoprite Port Erin

  • Attending the Lusitania memorial 3 May at Peel

  • I enjoyed my birthday out sailing

  • We like sailing, why don't you join us.

  • Peel Clothworkers primary school pay their first visit

  • Visitors to our waters

Recent news

December Board Meeting

December Board Meeting update

Update from the Engagement Committee

Chaired by Carole Quayle

Committee members: Diane Renton, Frank Rush, Gerry Morley

 

1. Minutes of last meeting approved.

2. Minutes of other Committees are still to be added to the website.

    Social media; A new website developer has been choses and preparing work has been started.

    Training; The Skippers and Mates training weekends have been viewed as a success.

    The Disability Awareness Training has been postponed until the new year.

    Navigation training sessions are due to commence and it is felt that when combined with the crew boat based traing sessions, we will   have all areas covered.

    To keep in touch with all members, we will strive to sent regular comms through the year.

    A Coffee Moring will be held at Douglas Bay Yacht Club on Saturday 9 December.

    Duke of Edinburgh Award - The board have agreed to supervised placements in principle.

    SFTD Banner - Suitable photos are needed for the new promotion banner.

Date for the next meeting - Tuesday 16 January 2024

Coffee morning at Douglas Bay Yachtclub

Catching up with friends whilst having a brew and home made cakes



Who we are

Sailing with a smile

Sailing for the Disabled which was founded in 1984 offers adults and children with conditions that affects their day to day life, whether it is physical mental or emotional the opportunity of sailing on our own boat Pride of Mann III. Many of the people assisted have no previous experience of sailing - some have never been in a yacht before. It is a sport that may be tried at any age and with virtually any disability, including people in wheelchairs and those with visual and hearing impairment. Success we measure in enjoyment!

Applications for personal membership for persons with a disability are considered from anyone reaching the age of 12 or over.   Anyone without disability must be aged 18 or over before applying, unless they have a sibling with disability who is already a member.

In addition we offer membership to Community groups who deal with persons suffering from any condition which affects their day to day life, whether it is physical, mental or emotional and to corporate sponsors who wish to support our operation. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

In 2006 we were honoured to receive the "Queens Award for Voluntary Service" which recognises our "Unsung Heroes”. We are affiliated to the RYA and our volunteers receive RYA based Awareness training to assist them in supporting our "Enabled sailors".    


What we can offer


Our latest vessel Pride of Mann III a Beneteau Oceanis 48 cruiser was purchased new in September 2014 and was specially adapted for us by Hamble Yacht Services to make it more accessible for those with mobility problems. The adaptions include a stern boarding ramp, moveable cockpit table and a lift to the saloon. In addition she has a fully enclosed cockpit cover for the days the weather is unkind and this will be a real benefit for those who enjoy sailing in the winter months.

She is our third yacht to bear the name Pride of Mann; a name that is appropriate not only because the charity is proud of its achievements, but also for the pride that disabled sailors take in being able to sail on an equal footing with their able-bodied counterparts.Sailing with Pride is what we do. Every person sailing with us is treated as an individual and their specific needs are considered. Experience gained with our previous vessels has demonstrated that disability need not be a barrier to managing on board.


Where to find us

Pride of Mann III is based in Douglas inner harbour. Access at Douglas is via the Tongue and a safe route to the pontoon is made by means of the pontoon access ramp from the marina gate. Stern boarding is possible using the boarding ramp to the cockpit and this can accommodate those in wheelchairs.

Unless otherwise advised those sailing are asked to meet at the boat one hour before the published sailing time. When the weather requires we can offer you waterproof sailing jackets and trousers in which case we will meet outside Douglas Bay Yacht Club.


Give it a go

 

Everything changes once you step on board the yacht. Some things are more difficult, some much easier. Physically and mentally nothing is the same – even your mood changes. Being on the sea brings everything from exhilaration to tranquillity. Through “Sailing for the Disabled”, whatever your disability, a whole new life opens up for you. 

  

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things

 you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.

 So throw off the bowlines.

 Catch the trade winds in your sails.

 Explore.Dream.Discover.  

                                                                       Mark Twain