Llangorse Sailing Club’s Disability Day brings Smiles

The Club’s annual Disability Day introduced local people with special physical and mental needs to sailing, kayaking and the joy of boating in a unique and beautiful setting.

More than twenty people from the area joined us to enjoy sailing – several even taking the helm - on a day of perfect conditions to share our love of sailing. Teaming-up with two charities, Accessibility Powys and The Outdoor Partnership, the club delivered a great day.

Organiser of the day for the Club, Jacquie Layton says, “Not only is it wonderful to share what we have with some local people who would find it difficult to have these experiences, but also we learn a great deal about how we can make the Club more accessible to the community.” 

The Club has run an annual Disability Day for over 20 years, usually in partnership with Powys County Council.

Visitor, Georgina Corley was just one visitor who enjoyed the sailing and took the helm of the Comet Trio, accompanied by our instructor. Her mum, Rebecca comments, “She’s really got the bug, and can’t wait for another opportunity to try again.”

Attending the day, Dean Welton-Wall, Volunteer Ambassador from The Outdoor Partnership – a charity which facilitates bringing outdoor activities to people of all abilities, says, “It’s been magical – wonderful to see how sailing and enjoying the landscape has brought so many smiles on the faces of all those who took part.”

Maria Whittaker, CEO of Accessibility Powys, congratulated the Club on a great event, adding that she would like her organisation to continue to work with us in the future.”

Jacquie Layton concludes. “We know our practical limitations in enabling people with special needs to enjoy sailing at our site – in terms of land-based facilities, boats, equipment and exertise. However, in time – and working closely with members who do have special needs – we’d look to address many of these issues.”

“Thanks go to Chief Instructor, Richard McCulloch, for acting as our SI on the day – and our team of sailors, power-boat drivers and on-shore helpers – for delivering a day which shows Llangorse Sailing Club at our best.