Founded in 1989 The Disabled Sailors Association is unique in the voluntary sector and sailing world, established to allow any disabled person, irrespective of their disability, to safely sail in one of their specially modified and purpose boats, irrespective of their disabilities and no matter how complex their needs.
Every year the DSA based in Gosport, Hampshire support 2,500 disabled people sail one of their boats and during the last 30 years over 50,000 people have sailed with the DSA. The charity attracts people from across the UK and abroad and include people with non-visible, physical and learning disabilities and many of their sailors have highly complex needs, relying on others for daily tasks.
By participating in the sailing activity it helps to improve their mental health, happiness, confidence and esteem gained from sailing their specially designed and adapted yachts and dinghies, cannot be underestimated. It also provides respite, not only to the participants but their careers and family members who accompany them; mental stimulation, fresh air to invigorate them and above all, happiness.
The demand is only increasing with people wanting to sail or who wish to loan one of DSA’s specially designed dinghies. As well as sailing day trips, the DSA enables sailors to take part in regattas and other competitions and educates and mentors beneficiaries. Enthusiastic young people can develop their skills and work with their Skipper to achieve RYA qualifications which, in turn, can lead to life-changing education and job opportunities. Every few years they also offer a young person to become a Trainee, in their apprenticeship scheme. They also work closely with specialist schools and colleges whose students join for annual sailing days.
In 2024 the demand for their services tripled, due in part to the sad demise of the Jubilee Sailing Trust, so the James Tuttiett Charitable Trust was delighted to offer funding to help assist with the increase in demand and allow disabled people the joy and freedom of being able to sail.
One individual said:
‘
When I am sailing I feel a wonderful sense of freedom from my paralysis. It is a huge benefit to my own mental health, as I can focus fully on the process of being at sea, of helming and trimming the sails, therefore escaping my limitations brought about by my high level of paralysis. Those moments allow me to mentally recharge and enable me to deal with the constant neurogenic pain, the restrictions of my wheelchair and the many other negative aspects of paralysis’To find out how you can access or support the inspiring work carried out by the DSA go to
www.disabledsailing.org
© DSA