Cerebral Palsy Plus Sailing Day 2023
26th July 2023 | Bristol Harbourside
On Wednesday 26th July, we held our annual Sailing Day at All-Aboard Watersports. All-Aboard is a Bristol-based charity, passionate about breaking down barriers to ensure that water sports are accessible to everyone. They have a fully trained team of instructors and a range of accessible boats, so everyone can get out on the water regardless of their needs or disability.
It was a bright, clear day, the perfect weather for sailing! At 10am, people began arriving and were raring to go. The All-Aboard team booked our members on the most suitable boat for them, whether that be a dinghy that you could sail by yourself or with an instructor, or Aiming High, a covered boat accessible for everyone. Once all the necessary safety precautions had been taken, the first boats went out onto the river, which members described as “lots of fun!”
After their boat trip, members retreated to our refreshment room upstairs for drinks and snacks before they ventured out again.
Throughout the day, people’s spirits never faded, even when there was a drop of rain mid-afternoon. Dozens of boat trips were taken, with some members enjoying it so much they went out three times!
As well as the exhilarating feeling sailing provides, those of us lucky enough to go out for a leisurely ride on Aiming High were treated to a tour of the Harbourside and the surrounding areas, which was worth going out in the rain for!
According to our members, the day left them feeling “really positive about adaptive sailing” with one even describing it as “our favourite event of the year!”
We are so pleased to have received such positive feedback from this event, and we cannot wait to host it again next year. Watch this space!
With thanks to All-Aboard Watersports, without whom this event wouldn’t be possible, and to our sponsors Irwin Mitchell, The Alpkit Foundation and Sports Foundation for the Disabled for their generous donations and support. Thanks also to Julie at Asda Bedminster for volunteering her time and providing refreshments for our Sailors.
Looking for a chance to try something new or make new friends?
We offer a range of activities in an environment equipped to cater to the varying needs Cerebral Palsy can create.