AN Otley Sailing Club protégé is supporting her former club in a bid to raise vital funds to help children and adults with disabilities and special educations needs reach their potential through the joy and challenges of sailing.
Heather Thomas, who wrote her name into the history books when she skippered the winning boat, Maiden, in the Ocean Globe Race, with an all-woman crew, is helping Otley Sailing Club raise money to buy two additional access boats for Sailability Sessions.
The club recently launched a Crowdfunder with the aim of raising £15,000 to buy the new boats and Heather is supporting the campaign by giving a presentation to the club and guests at Almscliffe Village Hall, Harrogate Road, Huby, on Wednesday, November 6 at 7pm.
Guests will hear Heather's extraordinary story of how she progressed from the gravel pits of Otley to a world class sailor and winner of the Ocean Globe Race 2023.
Martyn Maynard, Commodore at Otley Sailing Club said: "Twice a week, our dedicated team of volunteers provide sailing sessions for local children with disabilities and special educational needs.
"We work with specialist schools in the Leeds and Bradford area. Together we enable their pupils to achieve their full potential, through the joys and challenges of sailing. Last year, we provided an astounding 843 individual sailing sessions in our purpose built Access Dinghies. Our sailing sessions are incredibly popular but oversubscribed.
"To meet demand, we need to raise £15,000 to buy two additional access boats. Increasing our fleet from 10 to 12 boats will ensure that every child attending our Sailability sessions experiences the thrill and freedom of sailing on the open water."
Sport England have agreed to fund 50 per cent of the project costs but in order to receive the £7,500 contribution Otley Sailing Club must raise at least £7,500 from at least 75 supporters by Christmas. If the money isn't raised the club will keep what has been collected but will get nothing from Sports England.
The sailing club, which is based at Bridge End Quarry, Otley, is now appealing for the public to support inclusive sailing and make a massive difference to the lives of young sailors by donating to the Crowdfunder appeal.
Martyn added: "Our young sailors live with a wide spectrum of conditions ranging from autism through to complex life limiting conditions. Our Sailability programme helps all our young sailors enjoy the present and develop to their full potential.
"For some, who will be accompanied by a carer, it's a relaxing calming experience in the open air. Sailing free from the confines of their class room.
"For others it's about learning new skills, developing confidence, team working, taking responsibility and progressing towards the world of work and independent living.
"We are a volunteer-run sailing club, offering membership to the community for leisure sailing, racing, beginner learning and events; making it a truly inclusive activity.
"We are also a charity, with trained people, facilities and a fleet of boats and equipment tailored for disabled and Special Educational Needs (SEN) sailors. We are the largest provider of this volunteer led service in the North of England – yes, here in Otley!
"Our Sailability fleet of 10 Hansa Access dinghies (303 model), are designed specifically for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility. We choose these boats as a safe, stable environment for our sailors to enjoy the adventure of sailing without compromising on the uniquely thrilling feeling of independence sailing can bring to a young learner. There is a structured scheme and all our sailors achieve certification as they progress at their own pace.
"Our support of disability sailing began over 30 years ago as Sailfree, an initiative recognised nationally by the governing body the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) soon after, paving the way for RYA Sailability programmes across the UK. We are proud of our contribution to the development of inclusive sailing and wish to continue the legacy of our club.
"With your help we can make sure that next year, every child attending a session gets the experience they deserve."
The first event An Evening With Heather Thomas (Ocean Globe 2023 Winner) is available on the club's crowdfunder website.
Visit: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/sailing-for-disabled-children-at-otley for more information.
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