Join RYA Sailability

Be part of a community of clubs and centres passionate about getting people on the water, no matter what it takes

The challenge

1 in 5 people are disabled, with 70% of those are over 50-years-old.

Living with impairments, long term health conditions and getting older is part of the experience for a significant number of boaters and club members. Evidence shows that disabled people are twice as likely to be inactive as non-disabled people. Many people may not use the term disabled to describe their own identity, but they may still face barriers that limit their activities on the water.

Get more people on the water

The RYA Sailability programme is all about developing a thriving community of organisations where people can sail regularly. By inspiring more disabled people to lead active lives through boating, the programme:

• supports clubs in welcoming disabled people
• reduces the barriers people face in getting on the water

5 benefits

Up and down the UK the RYA Sailability programme is helping clubs, centres and classes to:

1. Bring in new members
2. Attract volunteers
3. Bring people back to the sport, young and old
4. Keep people sailing for longer
5. Be at the heart of the community

It's not as hard as you think

There are just a few things you need:

• A willingness to develop a lifetime passion for boating 
• A commitment to removing barriers and getting people on the water 
• A welcoming attitude where boating skills, friendship and a love of the sport is emphasised, not impairments 
• To be part of the RYA, either an affiliated organisation or a recognised training centre

You don't necessarily need:

• Fully accessible facilities - a commitment to improving access where you can is more important. The RYA can help you assess your venue, and be honest about what is and isn't accessible
• Specialist equipment - because not every disabled person needs a hoist, or a specialist boat. Start with what you have got, and make links with disabled people who could participate. You can add to the equipment as you go.
• Lots of disability knowledge - you know about boating and disabled people are experts in the support they need and that is a great start point. A healthy conversation enables you to plan for getting people on the water. And the RYA has a wealth of learning, advice and access to a whole community of clubs and centres up and down the country who have expertise and knowledge to share.