Sailability Scotland SCIO sails into a new home with Monklands Sailing Club
by Dik Toulson 27 Jun 2018 18:10 NZST
Sailability Scotland SCIO sails into a new home with Monklands Sailing Club © Dik Toulson
Sailability Scotland SCIO sails into a new home with Monklands Sailing Club and supported by RYA Scotland.
Sailability Scotland SCIO have been successfully organising a traveller series of sailing regattas held throughout Scotland over many years. Now they have joined forces with Monklands Sailing Club where they can provide sailing for beginners to experienced sailors particularly aimed at people with a disability or limited mobility at Hillend Loch near Caldercruix, Airdrie.
Currently, their traveller series is aimed at the more experienced sailor who wishes to pit their wits against other members in a variety of locations throughout Scotland sponsored by Boyd Tunnock MBE. Sailability Scotland SCIO recognised that they could use their experience to help introduce more disabled people to sailing if they had access to a loch. Step in Monklands Sailing Club who offered to share their facilities and experience with Sailability Scotland SCIO. This unique mix means they have suitable boats, a great location and a willing club to support disabled sailing.
It is not always obvious that someone has a disability when they are sailing, the boat does all the work and boats can be adapted to suit various disabilities. Learning to sail may be easier than you think and can give a great sense of achievement. There are various types of boats available and a popular one is the Challenger trimaran, think of it as a boat with stabilisers if you like. The Challenger is stable and a very safe boat yet can give an exciting ride. They are usually sailed solo, but can be fitted with a buddy seat so an experienced sailor can accompany a sailor to assist when required and give beginners guidance.
Dik Toulson, chairman of Sailability Scotland SCIO says "This is a new era for us and we are really excited to be working with Monklands Sailing Club in setting up this sailing centre specifically aimed at disabled people but anyone and everyone is welcome. I am particularly looking forward to meeting new sailors and helpers".
Sailability Scotland SCIO are looking for new members who are keen to sail and take part in regattas. They would also like to hear from volunteers to assist on the water or the shoreline with the launch and recovery of boats. Training will be given.
For more information please visit www.sailabilityscotland.org.uk or you can email them at