People living with disabilities take to the sea

Disabled sailing is now recognised as the fastest growth area in sailing in Northern Ireland so the Loughs Agency, Derry City Council, Belfast Lough Sailability, Royal Yachting Association Sailability, Lough Foyle Yacht Club and Foyle Disability Resource Centre all got together - with the assistance of Ocean Youth Trust Ireland - to offer easy-access sailing on the Foyle on two yachts

Cathal Mac Elhatton, Manager of Foyle Disability Resource Centre, said the initiative was the first step in opening up our local waterways for people with disabilities.

He said the development of a new accessible marine platform at Baronet Street by the end of 2011, complete with accessible w.c., shower and hoist, will allow people with disabilities further opportunities to get on to the water.

“With the Loughs Agency having developed a Sail Training Centre at their Prehen Base and Lough Foyle Yacht Club offering guidance and assistance, people with disabilities locally will now have the opportunity to learn to sail,” explained Mr Mac Elhatton.

“While today brings good news to people with disabilities locally in accessing the Foyle, Foyle Sailability will continue to examine opportunities to source specially designed boats which are completely accessible for passengers and that can be sailed by someone with very limited movement.

“This is to ensure that all people with disabilities can access our waterways whether to experience sailing or to learn how to sail.

“Many boat adaptations are now available including for example one which allows for a person’s breath in the form of a suck and blow control to operate the sails and the steering of a boat,” he added.

The aim of the Foyle Sailability drive is to replicate Belfast Lough Sailability’s well tried and tested formula in the North West.