Sailability in 2008 Winter Newsletter

Review of 2008

1. This season 52 members have gone afloat. They have been supported by approximately 35 of our own helpers and some 80 carers many of whom have also gone afloat, fortunately not all at the same time.

2. The generally poor weather this summer does not seem to have dampened the enthusiasm of our members and helpers. Only one session was lost due to high winds.

3. The fleet has been increased by the purchase of a new Challenger, Kris de Burgh, bought in part by a generous donation from Kris Gardner’s parents in memory of their son. The 3 Challengers have been in use every week and are proving very popular. The Swedish day boat owned by Malcolm Perry has also proved a valuable and popular addition to the fleet. The Tepco dinghies were the mainstay of the Group in the early days and although less used recently are still a valuable resource. The Sailing School have decided to replace them with boats more suitable for their needs and have generously agreed to give us two of them.

4. Burghfield is now well established on the disabled racing calendar with us hosting both Access and Challenger open meetings. It is a reflection of our facilities and the enthusiasm of our helpers that we were asked to host the Access National championship in 2008. Both meetings had good winds and were judged by our visitors to have been a great success.

5. The fees that members pay cover a large part of the running costs of the Group but the generosity of individuals and organisations enables us not only to keep our fees low but also to maintain the boats and purchase new and replacement equipment.We would especially acknowledge support from the following:-

Agilent – purchase of new buoyancy aids

National Grid – a sheet winch for one of the Challengers

RYA Sailability – a launching trolley for the new Challenger

Berkshire Independent Hospital

Berkshire Community Foundation – Grass roots grants for refurbishment of the hoist pontoon, boat covers for Challenger and Access dinghies and
more buoyancy aids

If any helpers or members are aware of any organisations or individuals who would be willing to support the Group please let me or Pat know.

6. The social aspect of sailing has not been forgotten with the traditional start and end of season socials which are always well attended.

This year, instead of our visit to Lymington Sailability we held a Funday for members and helpers. This was followed by a barbecue. It is intended to repeat this in 2009.

7. Early in the year, Geoff Holt who is paralysed from the chest down following an accident gave a talk on his epic voyage around Britain in a Challenger. A book on his voyage is now available entitled Walking on Water. At £9.95 this would prove a nice Christmas present.

8. David Vickery and Alistair Haywood joined the Jubilee Sailing Trust tall ship Tenacious on a 5 day cruise across the Channel to France including a trip up the Seine. David has now been on two cruises and thoroughly recommends it for a great time.

9. Our Challenger sailors, David Cooper, Tony Lawton and David Vickery have in addition to talking part in local meetings represented the Group at several race meetings at other clubs. These away fixtures have been supported by Ivor Quelch, Tim Hastings, David Martin and Steve King, collectively known as the “Burghfield Boys”. This year they have been joined by our Burghfield Girl, Jackie Clark. The sight of her up to her neck in water catching Challengers on a lee shore is not for the faint-hearted.

10. Sadly we learnt this year of the loss of Bill Lengthorne who died after a long illness. We will miss his cheery request for bigger sails for his Tepco. Our sympathy goes to Diane and his family.

We also heard that Bob Hudson who was a founder member of the Sailing School and who helped with Sailability as an instructor died after a very long illness.

The Year Ahead – 2009 - see dates for your diary on the what's on page

1. Sailing will commence on Thursday 16 April and run until 3rd September between 6.00 and 8.00 pm.

2. Socials will be held on Thursday 8 January and 8 October commencing at 7.30 pm. Both of these will be our usual “bring and share” with the bar open. The pre-season social will be on Thursday 9th April with nibbles provided. All are welcome. Come and meet the other helpers and members away from the time pressure of sailing activities.

3. We will again be hosting two Open Meetings. The Challengers will visit on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 April. The Access Travelling series is on Wednesday 6 May.

These are enjoyable events and helpers are always required. We are known for the helpfulness and friendliness of our helpers. Please come and join us.

4. Through an initiative known as Deafwave RYA Sailability is aiming to increase the number of profoundly deaf people joining Sailability groups. We are currently following up this initiative and if successful will run a training session in 2009.

A report from Tony Lawton on his JST Sailing Experience on Lord Nelson

Last February 08, I flew out to Gran Canarias leaving behind a cold wet winter. Arrived at Las Palmas, boarded the Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST) tall ship ”Lord Nelson”. We set sail the next day for a 7 days sailing round the islands, It was a unique opportunity to take in the beauty of the Canary Islands from the sea and soaking in the warm sunny climate.

On board, I have met many different people from all walks of life and included the permanent crew. the JST’s motto is 50% disabled and 100% involved - This is so true, I’ve helmed the ship (using a speaking compass), keeping watch, pulling ropes and setting sails, thanks goodness we don’t tack very often as there was so many sails to set! Oh yes, went up the crows nest, that was fun.

It was a truly fantastic week, made good friendship and shared in the challenge and adventures of sailing a tall ship on an open sea.

I’ve booked again, this time a 23 days passage voyage from Gran Canarias to Southampton with the JST “Tenacious” in spring 09. This will be a uncompromising sailing voyage which I am really looking forward to.

Lord Nelson Dimensions Length overall 55 Metres Sail Area (18 Sails) 1024m2

I think, I will be fit and ready for sailing at Burghfield in April!!

A report from Dave Vickery & Alastair Hayward on their JST Sailing Experience on Tenacious

Myself and Alistair Hayward both being members of Burghfield Sailability Group arrived at Southampton Dock on the 15 September 08 to board the Tenacious and signed on as crew members for a five day voyage, with 38 other crew we have never met, 20 being disabled 20 able bodied; to buddy the disabled if needed.

We were all issued with our watch cards for the voyage - there are 4 watches

We got under way and headed for the French Coast, we all helped to put the sails up and turned the engine off and we were underway sailing about 6 to 7 knots, we sailed through the night and arrived at the mouth of the River Seine. We stayed under sail for part of the way up the river and moored up in a place called Caudebec It was a beautiful town and we were made most welcome by the town's folk.

We had a night off and toured round the area and tried out the local food and drink.

We set off for the voyage home back to Southampton, sailed back to the Isle of Wight moored up for the night to wait for the tide to turn before docking back at Southampton Spent 5 days on board and sailed 311 miles.

Tenacious Dimensions Length overall 65 Metres Sail Area (21 Sails) 1200m2

See www.jst.org.uk for more information abut the Jubilee Sailing Trust.

Finally, I hope you have a good Christmas and look forward to seeing you all next year

Charles Benham
Chairman