Frensham Sailability unveils new expanded jetty facilities for disabled sailors
by Michael Buttler 1 Nov 2016 12:39 GMT
1 November 2016
In one of its biggest projects for several years, Frensham Pond Sailability has unveiled new, expanded jetty facilities for its many disabled sailors. Thanks to generous support from The Wisley Foundation, the Lions Club of Farnham, The Farnham Institute and the Worshipful Company of Dyers, a major extension has been built onto one of the jetties in regular use on its Thursday and Saturday sessions.
In welcoming the guests from Farnham Lions and The Farnham Institute, Brian Grimwood, Acting Chairman of Sailability, expressed the club's gratitude for the tremendous support from all the donors invited to the event. The new Jetty Extension will provide a more efficient, stable and user friendly experience, particularly for the disabled sailors who require hoisting into and out of boats. The cost was considerable, at £32,000, and the planning process was complex with approvals needed, not just from the landowners but also from all the bodies concerned with protecting the environment of Frensham Pond.
The Jetty Extension was formally opened by Megan Pascoe, reigning World Champion in the Paralympic 2.4 metre class. She has close links with Frensham Pond Sailability, having sailed here many times, and is a good friend of the club. The guests were then treated to a demonstration of the new hoisting arrangements, when Barbara Wright, President of Farnham Lions, agreed to be the guinea pig.
The day was mild and sunny and conditions were perfect for the guests to be able to see the regular activities of Sailability with boats sailing well across Frensham Pond, coming in and going out, and they were also able to meet many of the volunteer helpers.