Poole Harbour Guide 2011 - Poole Harbour Commissioners

Special Feature
41
SAILING ABILITY: Sailability
members enjoy an outing
perform various manoeuvres on the water.
In 2010 they entered Poole Week racing
at Parkstone Yacht Club. It was a
resounding success and enjoyed
enormously by all those who took part.
Eight disabled members and 22 helpers
worked hard to deliver their new Hawk
“Blue Dolphin”, the Wayfarer “Blue
Whale” and safety boat “Lyn J”, and
compete fiercely in the racing for 5 days,
before returning the fleet safely to their
base at Rockley.
Battling strong winds, confused seas,
spray, rain and bad visibility on the Sunday
crews gained a lot of respect by finishing
the course when many other boats pulled
out or capsized. The conditions improved
on the following days with pleasant
sunshine and fair breezes to give some
exciting racing. Overall the Hawk gained
eight place out of 20 in the Handicap Class,
a fantastic result for all the crews
concerned. These were results to be very
proud of! Sailability members were made
most welcome by the Parkstone club
members and given a lot of help on and off
the water. The social events each evening
were equally enjoyable and were well
supported by Sailability members.
During 2010 they also competed in The
Hawk Nationals in Christchurch Bay
finishing a creditable 14th.
Enthusiastic volunteers are always very
welcome at Poole Sailability. Some sailing
experience is necessary, a willingness to
help and a little commitment is also
required. Volunteers are asked to arrive
about an hour before the sailing times to
help rig the boats, help kit out and
generally look after our less able members.
They also have training days when boat
rigging, sailing, rescue boat, first aid, and
other skills can be learnt and practiced.
Many volunteers have already gained RYA
Sailing and Power Boat certificates with the
help of Poole Sailability.
Poole Sailability contact details
e-mail: poolesailability@yahoo.co.uk or telephone Anna Moreland on 01202 632096