Sailability

Boating at your pace, adapted for you

Join us on the water near you

With over 200 locations across the UK and further afield, sailors enjoy the outdoors, feel freedom on the water, are active, learn new skills and build confidence.

It is #MoreThanSailing, and can open up a world of possibilities.

New sailors

If you have never tried sailing before, welcome! You will find sailing a breath of fresh air, meet fantastic people and learn loads. Sailing is great for mind, body and soul. Be inspired, find out answers to all the questions you have and take the first step on your boating journey.

Sailors smiling as they sit over the edge of their boat

Experienced Sailors

How far you take your sailing is up to you. Develop your skills, gain qualifications, take part in events, and enjoy adventures on the high seas.

Racing

If you get your buzz from being competitive, there are lots of different boats to race and events to enter, from close to home or across the world

Competing on water

Woman sailing independently, looking up at sail and smiling

Volunteers

Lots of sailors give their time too. There is a range of on and off the water volunteer roles you could get involved in.

Types of boats

Sailing is open to everyone. Regardless of age or ability, it’s a level playing field out on the water and the opportunities to get involved are ever evolving. Find out about some of the boats involved

Courses

RYA Training is world renowned. Course adjustments can be made to enable access.

sailability sailing session, sailor in wheelchair approaching boat

Funding your passion

As your sailing passion develops you might want to get more technical equipment, gain more qualifications, become a volunteer, instructor or coach, have coaching and travel to events. This can add up. But there are a number of options you can explore for support.

Group of volunteers and sailors on a yacht

Life on the water with MS

The year before he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2010, Nick Jarvis, bought a wheelchair on eBay. The pain in his legs was so bad he couldn’t walk properly. The wheelchair gave him a bit more freedom, some of his life back. Seven years later he independently walked off a yacht in Turkey with one crutch. It was, he insists, impossible. And yet it happened.

Stationary narrowboats anchored along a river

Rebuilding confidence after cancer

What happens after cancer treatment can be as daunting as during. But with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, CanalAbility helps young people in recovery get their lives back on track.

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Sailability support for clubs and centres

Find out more about the RYA's Sailability programme from the perspective of a club or training centre.

Report an accident or incident

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The RYA requires that an accident or incident is reported to the RYA if it involves an RYA organised event, an RYA Recognised Training Centre or an RYA Coded Small Commercial Vessel but reports from clubs and individuals are also welcomed.

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