Accessing our boats

After you have signed in, you will be directed to our equipment store to put on a personal flotation device.  Our volunteers will assist you if required.  You will normally put on a buoyancy aid, although we also have a small supply of automatic life jackets for wheelchair users, who find these more comfortable.  There is a marked wheelchair accessible path between the wet-bar and the equipment store.

Wheelchair access path to the equipment store and jetty

Our wheelchair accessible powerboat is boarded via a ramp, using a designated slipway.  This boat can accommodate a maximum of seven passengers (max three wheelchairs at any one time).  It is often easier to reverse a wheelchair onto this boat.

Wheelchair user boarding our powerboat

Our accessible two person sailing boats have heavy keels, so are very stable and virtually impossible to capsize.  Two are fitted with small joystick operated electric servo-motors to help sailors operate the main-sheet and helm.  Our Katakanu is also a very stable craft and can accommodate six people.  Both crafts are boarded from our main pontoon.  Hoists are available for wheelchair users, operated by our trained volunteers (max load 140kg: please bring your own harness).  

Hoisting a wheelchair user into a sailing dinghy

All our boats are helmed by experienced volunteers.  If sailing, you will be accompanied by an experienced buddy, although experienced Sailability members may sail solo.  A safety boat team is always on hand during Sailability sessions. 

Two person sailing dinghy (Hansa 303)

If you need to wait for a boat to become available, feel free to enjoy a drink in our wet-bar or outdoor seating area.

Outdoor seating area