On the water with Carsington Sailability
Its summer, hopefully the sun is shining, there is a breeze. You might be thinking seaside, ice cream, chips. Well, here is another thought…
Carsington Sailability, ice cream, ships. What’s more the Sailability team will do their utmost to get you safely onto the water. Maybe a power boat ride, a trip on a sailing boat or get to know the ropes and try your hand at sailing with instruction and advice. With a fantastic group of volunteers we will listen to your likes and needs and support you to get you on the water.
I was diagnosed with Primary Progressive MS in 2012. I worked as a Countryside Ranger, managing Countryside facilities for Derbyshire County Council and only took retirement on grounds of ill health as my MS got worse. Now I enjoy freedom in the great outdoors through sailing. I need two poles to walk, each step is hard work and causes discomfort. I have a constant freezing neurological pain throughout my legs but all that is forgotten when out on the water. Instead, you are feeling the wind, watching the waves, soaking up the colours, reflections and tranquillity, gliding across the water.
Carsington Sailability is based at Carsington Sailing Club between Wirksworth and Ashbourne, it has just become a charitable trust. It operates on most Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the year. The friendly team will be there to give you a really warm welcome, to explain what the club has to offer and to help you get on the water. There are volunteers who can take you for a sail or teach you to sail – depending on your interest. As well as boats there is the galley café that sells hot and cold drinks and lunches and cake! There is also a sheltered terrace with great views of the reservoir and easy access.
Carsington Sailability has a fleet of safe and stable boats suitable for all. There is a hoist that enables wheelchair users to access sailing dinghies.
If you are interested in knowing more and would like a welcome and introduction see here https://www.carsingtonsailingclub.co.uk/page/carsington-sailability-overview
You’ll learn even more and be inspired here http://www.accessiblederbyshire.org/activities/sailing/
Please contact the sailing club office for details. Phone: 01629 540609 or office@cscmail.co.uk
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Rick Jillings Sailability member and trustee