New sailors

A level playing field

Everyone can go sailing. Rule the waves with activities for young people, adults and groups at your pace, adapted to your abilities.

Find the best fit for you

With over 200 Sailability centres, there is somewhere on the water near you. Finding the best fit for your values, needs and budget is key to your enjoyment.

Your first visit

Whether you have never sailed before or are well on your way to learning the ropes, you will feel welcome and have fun from the very first time you go sailing.

Before your first visit…

Find out what support you can expect
Plan what you might need to bring
Think about what the volunteers need to know to help you get on the water

You don’t have to go on the water the first time

Find your way around the facilities, talk to other sailors and volunteers or just watch to see how it all works. There is always plenty of support to show you the ropes both ashore and on the water.

The support you need

You know yourself better than anyone. To get the most out of the experience takes an open conversation about what sailing involves, your aspirations and concerns, and any needs specific needs you have.

What is important to you and for you?
What support do you need?

It all helps to get afloat.

Bring the right clothes and equipment

Being on the water brings great freedom, but you are on the water! That means you may get wet from the spray or rain so be prepared.

Things to bring...

Footwear you don't mind getting wet
Clothes that allow a bit of movement and keep you warm
A spare change of clothes for once you are off the water

Before you go, check to see if the venue…

Has waterproof jackets and / or trousers you can borrow
Provides lifejackets or buoyancy aids

Think about food and drink

Sailing is active and, with all the fresh air, can be a real workout, so what food and drink might you need before or after the session to keep your energy levels up? Ask if the venue has food and drink on site or bring your own.

It is always your choice

Sailing depends on the weather - it can be very windy or a flat calm. There will be a responsible person who will make the decision whether conditions are right for sailing. But it is always your choice whether you go afloat.

Go at your pace

Learning something new is exciting! But try to progress too fast and you could end up frustrated and not enjoying your sailing. To realise your ambitions and develop a lifetime passion for sailing, take things a step at a time and stay safe.

Know your limits and share them

So many factors determine what you can enjoy safely on any given day. Be aware of your limits and make sure everyone supporting you is working within them.

Young people

Learning and personal development for children and young people. Being on the water is great fun. It build's confidence, independence and opens up a world of possibilities. The waves are yours to rule.

Meet George

Sailing is amazing. Independence. Sociable. Competitive.

Colourful sails of dinghies on the water

Meet Millie

Getting her fabulous back and learning to live an independent life through sailing.

Adults

Be your best ‘you’, enjoy a fresh lease of life and stay active as you get older, all through sailing.

Hannah leaning back in her dinghy and smiling

Meet Hannah

Freedom, friends and feeling part of a community. Sailing is the best thing you will ever do.

A group of sailors getting ready to start their session

Meet Sally

Sally lost the sight in the corner of her left eye and walks with a crutch following a stroke. But Sally feels she got her life back when she was introduced to her local Sailability group at Pitsford Reservoir.

Groups

Sailing has so many health and wellbeing benefits. Be part of a community. Everyone can enjoy safe and supported activities on the water, building confidence, connections and communication. Learn and laugh together on and off the water.

Multiple dinghies sailing across the water during a session

Meet NAViGO

NAViGO approached Covenham Sailability about delivering training to people living with a range of mental health issues, including PTSD, depression and schizophrenia. They heard about Sailability through the North East Lincolnshire Disability Forum, and after bringing two service users to a taster day were immediately convinced of its benefit.

Meet TEALs

A big breath of fresh air. TEALs supports young adults with learning difficulties to embrace new skills and challenges in their lives. Sailing and volunteering offers the chance to be active, outside, learning skills and contributing to the local community.

RYA Sailability

With over 200 venues across the UK, join us on the water near you - explore all the programme has to offer sailors, volunteers and clubs and centres.

Experienced para sailors

Looking for the next challenge - the only limit is your imagination. There is a world of opportunity to develop your skills, build confidence and nurture your passion.

Volunteers

Volunteers are the heartbeat of Sailability with huge numbers of people giving their time to get people on the water, no matter what it takes.

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

Boating adventures

From sheltered lakes, inland waterways to the high seas, go where ever your sense of adventure takes you. Once your boating journey begins, the world is yours to own.

Your next adventure

Talk to your club or centre about organising a sailing holiday
Enjoy a day sail or cruise
Take part in iconic racing events
Book a residential sailing trip around the UK Coast or on the high seas
Explore a new venue or try different types of boats
Book an RYA course to develop a range of sailing skills

Be the best you

Boating offers many health and wellbeing benefits. An ocean adventure or sailing holiday is good for mind body and soul.

Enjoy sailing with people in the same boat as you. You can learn new skills, challenge yourself, and get back to your best. The sailing environment might be new, but you are surrounded by people who get you.

A sailing adventure is a great way to push your limits and learn about yourself. Trips happen around the UK Coast and across the high seas.