AGM 2024 - Sailability
The Sailability group has had another busy year, as well the regular Wednesday afternoon Sailability members sessions, we have also hosted several visitors and outside events.
The English Challenger Championships was held at the Club back in June. This event was brought about when the Challenger Class Association asked Scaling to host it as they were so impressed by the organisation and friendliness of the members during the Open Challenger Championships in 2023. Scaling had two Challenger sailors enter one gaining a 1st in the Bronze fleet and the other a 3rd in the Silver Fleet.
I received lovely thank you emails from the visiting competitors. One comment being 'The best club to sail at in the circuit'. How fantastic is that?
Please let it be noted that the Commodore and Vice Commodore would like to also thank all the hard-working volunteers and employees for their willingness to engage with competitors and help over that weekend.
The Charity 'Oceans of Hope' held an event at the club in July. Four disabled sailors with Multiple Sclerosis came for the day to try out sailing in the clubs Challenger and Access boats. Thank you to John Tate and those who were attending Sail Camp, for lending a hand to assist the visitors both on and off the water.
Kirkleatham Hall School had two successful visits this year but unfortunately one had to be cancelled due to bad weather. The children's feedback was a positive one, resulting in the school making a small donation to the club as a gesture to say thank you. Thank you to John Tate for organising the event with the school and the volunteers who came and helped on those two days, making this a fantastic opportunity for local disabled children to get out on the water. 100% of those volunteering declared their delight and intent to support further visits but that commitment to help is crucial to ensure that future visits can happen.
Unfortunately, towards the end of the season two of the Challenger Trimarans became out of action, having acquired a few issues with wear and tear due to their age and continued use. After a few exchanges of emails with other Challenger sailors around the country, a solution was found. John soon put his skills and time into fixing the problem.
The Sailability Membership has doubled this year, which is fantastic, Helpers are growing in number and effectiveness, but John would now very much like to share this role with another permanent willing volunteer, especially on a Wednesday afternoon. It is a rewarding role, spending time on the water giving joy to those who otherwise wouldn't have been able to experience the freedom and exhilaration that sailing gives. Having a disability myself, I am for one very grateful that this club has John and Sailability as part of the membership.
Please contact John Tate or sign up on the volunteer sheet hanging in the club if you would like to help him to continue running this wonderful rewarding group. Thank you.
Chris Keats-Hannan
