Even Keel Project is going global in 2010

Sailing is one of very few sports in which having a physical disability does not have to be a disadvantage. Through its adaptive sailing programme, The Even Keel Project is providing able bodied and disabled enthusiasts with the opportunity to participate together in a sailing activity that would otherwise be normally outside their reach.

Of particular note at the start of the new sailing season is the developing interest from overseas organisations in establishing centres of excellence through The Even Keel Project in their regions, particularly in the USA, Netherlands and Ireland.

After a busy weekend exhibiting on the Sailability stand at the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show, The Even Keel Project is now gearing up for The British Leisure Show at Windsor Racecourse between 19-21 March (on Stand BW410) and they are also holding an Open Day at the UKSA in Cowes, Isle of Wight, on Friday 9th April to encourage anyone interested to come along and Try Sailing! There’s a full calendar of on-shore and on-water activity on the Project’s website: http://www.theevenkeel.com.

The most high profile beneficiary of the Even Keel Project to date has been Hilary Lister. Hilary is the first quadriplegic to sail across the English Channel and, using an adapted Artemis 20 became the first disabled woman to sail around Britain.

"Sailing to me is the escape route from my disability. As a quadriplegic, it wasn't apparent at first that I would even be able to passenger a boat, let alone sail one single-handedly. The Artemis 20 boats have enabled me to realise my dreams in a way I never thought possible. When I'm sailing I go into a different world, it's like I'm flying! The beauty of The Even Keel Project is in its simplicity: identical boats, able-bodied or disabled, a level playing field. It is fitting that these remarkable boats will be used to enable so many more people to achieve something they never thought possible." HILARY LISTER

The Project’s philosophy stems from the importance of accessibility, the idea of breaking down barriers and creating a fun and functional environment that will increase participation. The vision is to make sailing available to all, regardless of ability, age, gender or background. The Even Keel Project provides the opportunity to participate on a completely level playing field ...and on an even keel.

The mission is to keep spreading the word that sailing is one of very few sports in which having a physical disability does not have to be a disadvantage. Through its adaptive sailing programme, The Even Keel Project is giving both able bodied and the disabled, the opportunity to participate together in a sailing activity that would otherwise be normally outside their reach. The projects' philosophy stems from the importance of accessibility, the idea of breaking down barriers and creating a fun and functional environment that will increase participation.

The Even Keel Project encourages members to learn new skills and experience the freedom and feeling of escapism that sailing can offer. The project is all about integration, enabling members to compete at the same level and communicate with others from around the world, providing a unique platform to develop and extend that experience even further. The Project also provides a valuable resource for many groups and individuals who might want to use the project for rehabilitation programmes, sail training purposes, specialist training for athletes who wish to train in a competitive environment, or simply to be used just for fun.

More information on The Even Keel website.