MORE than 100 guests joined members for trips out on the water to mark another successful open day for Isle of Wight people with disabilities at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club in Fishbourne.
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The annual event also included a barbecue lunch, tea and cakes.
The RVYC has been welcoming guests to its open day event since 1981, which was the first International Year of Disabled Persons.
The club laid on 56 trips along Wootton Creek and out into The Solent.
Some ventured out on fast RIBs, while wheelchair users were welcomed aboard specially-adapted boats, called Wet Wheels and Spirit of Scott Bader.
The club's motor launches, Strong Arm and Albatross, offered more relaxed journeys throughout the day.
Invited guests included Sight for Wight (Isle of Wight Society for the Blind), Mountbatten, Isle of Wight Physically Disabled, Ryde House, Hazelwood House, Southern Housing, plus individual Island families with disabled members.
The Island's deputy Lord Lieutenant, Anne Longford, together with Isle of Wight High Sheriff, Dawn Haig-Thomas; Cllr Debbie Andre, the Isle of Wight Council's cabinet member for children’s services, education and skills; and Island councillor for Binstead and Fishbourne, Ian Dore, spent time chatting with guests and also went afloat.
Sarah Butler, Mountbatten’s transition co-ordinator for young adults, said: “Events like this are so important to our young adults, as they help to create special memories of happy and fun times spent with their family and friends.
"Without the club's generosity, this would not have been possible.”
Mrs Longford added: “I was blown away by the effort the many volunteers from the club put into the day — making it such a wonderful event for all the families and carers.
"It was clear it meant so much to every single person.”
More than 70 club members volunteered to support the event.
The lunch and refreshments were provided by DW Hospitality and Medina Foodservice, with Grace’s Bakery and club members providing home-made cakes for afternoon tea and gifts for the tombola.
Also supporting the event were Fishbourne Parish Council, the Daisy Rich Trust and Wightlink.
Next year’s event will be held on Saturday, July 6.
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