The faces and stories behind Sailing for the Disabled

In 2016 on a sunny summer Saturday I attended a Sailing for the Disabled Open Day on Pride of Man III in Douglas marina. The idea of joining the charity was something I had been thinking about for a while, but I wasn’t sure if I’d be any of use. 

I was a semi-retired nurse with over 35 years of a fantastic and varied career under my belt – but absolutely no sailing knowledge or experience. However, thanks to a very welcoming and enthusiastic skipper that day, I’d signed up before I left the boat! 

I was attracted to the idea of learning a whole new set of knowledge and skills at the same time as helping people with a disability to experience the unique and joyful benefits of sailing. 

Eight years, many nautical miles and a Day Skipper ticket later I have a whole new vocabulary and many, many new able and enabled sailing friends. 

Since joining the charity I’ve gone on to become a member of the SFTD board, a part of our Engagement Committee,  a facilitator for the Disability Awareness training and recently acted as the charity lead in developing our wonderful new website. It keeps me very busy and active but the huge amount of pleasure and satisfaction received is easily visible in the happy smiles and warm words of thanks from our members.