People with disabilities take to the Foyle

Foyle Sailability is a partnership between Foyle Disability Resource Centre, Foyle Port, Loughs Agency, Derry City Council, local sailing clubs and other North West based disability groups.

Sailability’s first venture on to the water was held in the city recently.

A crew from Foyle Luxury Cruises entertained ten groups of disabled people and staff from stakeholder groups, taking them along the River Foyle in an ocean going cabin cruiser.

During the cruises, the skipper recounted tales of the proud sea-faring and maritime heritage of the River Foyle to the entertainment of all passengers. These taster and induction sessions were funded by the Loughs Agency.

Foyle Port’s newly opened marina provided a first point of access platform for people with disabilities - with its toilets and showers designed for disabled users and a hoist for lifting wheelchair users individually into a boat.

This was the first time that people with disabilities had the opportunity to access the Foyle using the hoist on the new Baronet St Marina. Their responses will be surveyed by Loughs Agency to provide feedback on their access needs and their favoured activities on the Foyle.

Sailability welcomed first time sailors from Foyle Down Syndrome Trust, Strabane and District Caring Agency, Destined, Foyle Disability Resource Centre, Limavady Community Development Initiative, RNIB and Action on Hearing Loss.

The Loughs Agency hope to run additional river based activities for people with disabilities next year.