SAILING Kinsale Yacht Club Rows in Behind Kids with Disabilities

27 Aug 2009


The official launch of the IDSA Sailing Programme for Children with Disabilities will take place on Saturday 29th August in Kinsale Yact Club. We will have the assistance of Kinsale Lifeboat and an Irish Naval ship on the day.


Our timetable is as follows and all are welcome to support our launch.

  • 10.30 hrs Launch of boats sailed by sailors with disabilities in Kinsale Yacht Club (Access dinghies, Squibs, Sonars and Cruisers)
  • 11.00 hrs Kids Access Dinghy Race
  • 12.00 hrs Return to Club
  • 12.15 hrs De-rigging
  • 12.30 hrs Official Launch of the Programme
  • 13.00 hrs Barbeque


A popular element of the programme is the weekly Saturday sailing sessions in Kinsale harbour. There up to twenty five children and teenagers receive coaching from qualified instructors. They are supported by two safety ribs, which are on the water at all times, and the children also enjoy time in these craft. We have also run a number of safety boat courses for parents/helpers, which enables more people to support this initiative

 

 

Ireland's first summer sailing programme organised specifically for children with disabilities is going at full force in Kinsale Yacht Club. It is organised by the Irish Disabled Sailing Association (IDSA) in conjunction with Kinsale Yacht Club.


The programme is attracting a lot of attention both locally and nationally. There are smaller programmes starting in Galway and Dْn Laoghaire with other Clubs earmarked nationally. The ISDA intend to have a vibrant children's programme all over Ireland in the coming years.


The programme is currently offering weekly Saturday sailing sessions, in Kinsale harbour, where up to twenty five children and teenagers receive coaching from qualified instructors. There are two safety ribs on the water at all times and the children also enjoy time in these.


Twelve children took part in what was Ireland's first full, five day, summer sailing camp in the access class. "He was exhausted but so happy after his day on the water" said one Mum. "We never thought that it would be possible but everyone helps out".


The fruits of the programme are already paying dividends, as two of the trainees have been accepted as voyage crew on board the tall ship "Lord Nelson" on the 'Pirates of the European Adventure", which is sailing from Germany to the Netherlands.


IDSA chairperson Alison Ryan says "It's thanks to the positive attitude, excellent facilities and practical support of the yacht club that things are going so well for the children. Local Lions clubs and businesses have also helped with financial aid and donations of equipment."


The programme relies heavily on a spirit of volunteerism within the club. Strong links are already being forged between the various classes in the club as its willing members get involved with the access dinghy sailors.


The official launch of the programme will take place during an action packed, family friendly day in Kinsale Yacht Club on 29th August 2009. The committee and volunteers aim to have eleven accessible boats available on the day to anyone who would like to try sailing. Well-known sailor Paul Ryan will be on hand to encourage any children who might like to come along on the day. Paul, who is a Paralympic sailor, is hoping that he might find a few young sailors who will develop a life long love of the sport.


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