THE future of an Isle of Wight charity which provides life-enriching sailing activities for people with disabilities is under threat unless it can raise funds for a new safety vessel.

Cowes Sailability Club has launched a vitally important appeal for funding, to enable it to replace its aging safety boat — and continue to provide life-enriching sailing activities for people with disabilities. 

The club, a registered charity that offers sailing and recreational boating opportunities for Island adults and children with physical and learning difficulties, as well as those with debilitating long-term conditions. 

Isle of Wight County Press: Cowes Sailability Club needs a new safety boat — and needs your help to get one.Cowes Sailability Club needs a new safety boat — and needs your help to get one. (Image: Cowes Sailability Club)

The charity enables Island residents and their carers to access the sea in "a fun, safe, stimulating and rewarding way" and to have "uplifting experiences" that improve health and wellbeing. 

Its current safety boat, Zebedee, is fast approaching the end of its usable life. 

How to donate to the safety boat appeal

  • Donations can be made via Just Giving: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/safetyboatappeal
  • Further information can be gained by contacting Trish Rook, the charity's fundraising officer, by email: fundraising@cowessailability.co.uk
  • For more info about Cowes Sailability Club, visit: https://www.cowessailability.co.uk/

While she can continue to fulfil the requirements of a rescue vessel in 2024, a replacement RIB must be ordered soon, so it can be built in time to continue the vital role by early 2025. 

The club is run entirely by volunteers. In 2010, it received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. 

Isle of Wight County Press: Some of the young Islanders with disabilities given an opportunity to get out on the water.Some of the young Islanders with disabilities given an opportunity to get out on the water. (Image: Cowes Sailability Club)

“It is absolutely essential for Cowes Sailability Club to have a safety boat on the water, whenever sailing activities are taking place, so help is at hand if needed,” explained Trish Rooke, its fundraising officer. 

“If we do not have a replacement safety vessel ready to use by early 2025, the future of accessible sailing on the Isle of Wight will be in jeopardy.” 

This year has proved to be the most successful year ever for the charity, which has been operating on the Island for more than 20 years. 

During the 2023 season, it offered a record 1,112 places on accessible motor and sailing boats for disabled people, their carers and families. 

To enable it to build on this success, and create more opportunities for disabled Islanders, the charity urgently needs donations, grants and support from local businesses.