'Happiest, kindest' sailing charity marks 20 years

A charity that helps people with disabilities learn to sail has been described as an inspiring place by its users and volunteers.

Peterborough Sailability, based at Ferry Meadows, marked its 20th anniversary on Tuesday with a lakeside celebration. Since it was founded in 2006, the organisation has supported over 1,000 adults and children.

Volunteer Anne Reams said: "I've been coming for 12 years and it is the happiest, kindest and most supportive group I have met.

"We work with sailors who have a wide range of disabilities and needs. It is such a wonderful experience. I wouldn't change it for the world."

The charity, supported by nearly 50 volunteers, began with just one boat and has since grown its fleet to 17.

In 2018, it was awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

Richard Dykes, secretary of Peterborough Sailability, said: "We take young people, adults with a range of neurodivergence and disability sailing. We have people coming from as far as Spalding, Kettering, Grantham and Huntingdon.

"We can't believe how successful we have become."

Sharon Salerno, who joined the charity two years ago, said: "I can launch and land a boat, and use the quad bike.

"We're all friends here and help each other. It's inspiring."

Bill Allen added: "To be able to see the pleasure on people's faces who cannot experience what we can normally experience is really something."

Keith Emerson said he "would recommend it to anyone".

"I love the feeling down here of just taking the clients out sailing," he said.

"My wife calls it my happy place and it really is. I just come here no matter how hectic it is and I immediately relax."

James Hopgood, who is one of the founders of the city's charity, said: "I'm coming up 86 years next month, and one of my colleagues, Dennis, he's in his 90s, and we come every week.

"I'm now stuck on a mobility scooter and I haven't got independent movement - but, to be able to haul myself into one of our multihull challenges and then take disabled kids and adults out sailing means the world to me."

The charity depends on fundraising and volunteers and is appealing for additional support.

Dykes added: "As a successful charity, we've got to make sure that we run a tight book. But we have got rent, insurances and maintenance to pay and equipment to buy.

"Our life jackets are 10 years old and that is going to cost us £4,000 at the end of the year. So, we're always trying to raise money as well."

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