National Campaign to increase accessibility to sailing launched in Kinsale
by Gail MacAllister 3 May 2016 20:58 BST
2 May 2016
Try Sailing children after a lesson on rigging at Kinsale Yacht Club Try Sailing Open Day © Gail MacAllister
2016 National Campaign to Increase Accessibility to Sailing Launched in Kinsale May 2nd.
A collaboration of support has made a national Try Sailing programme accessible sailing for people of all abilities a great success. County Local Sports Partnership funding and support of programmes, along with Sports Capital Partnership funding of boats, facilities and safety boats nationally combine with an Irish Sailing Association bursary and support network.
The official launch for the 2016 campaign was at Kinsale Yacht Club on May 2nd, home to an appreciation of what the sea has to offer us all, from fun to fishing to food. Numerous families came along to give sailing a try for free and find out more about what their options were for getting out on the water. The strong gusting winds were too much for the young newcomers, but it was perfect for large boat cruiser sailing for families. Sailability squib keelboat sailor Kevin Downey headed out in the strong winds to demonstrate just how physically accessible for all sailing can be. Local school children from all the national schools in the region came along and give sailing a try and the active Kinsale Sailability group gave first hand advice on sailing to adults and children with disabilities. Thanks to the support of Cork Local Sports Partnership, Kinsale Yacht Club are running a series subsidised coaching days for school children that want to continue to sail.
When Sailability Sailor Anna Brennan was asked what sailing means to her, the immediate answer was "Freedom and Happiness". That just about sums it up.
The Irish Sailing Association is committed to creating sailing opportunities for all ages, abilities and disabilities. Over 60 venues throughout the nation are organising a wide variety of events and programmes for spring and summer, from Sailability to Scouts, from children to corporates.
Details of venues and programmes on www.trysailing.ie and www.sailing.ie/trysailing