Rutland Sailability receives new hoist from Rotary clubs

Sailors with disabilities are being helped into boats by a new hoist donated by members of the community.

The addition to Rutland Sailability at Edith Weston was funded by The Rotary Club of Rutland and The Rotary Club of Uppingham, which has long-supported the charity’s work.

The hoist, which cost in the region of £6,000, allows the club to support more sailors who use the boats to learn new skills, have fun and overcome disabilities.

About a dozen members of the two Rotary clubs, pupils from Uppingham Community College, as well as by Rutland Sailability members attended the launch on Thursday.

As a thank you for their fundraising and donation, Rotarians were taken out in boats by qualified sailors, receiving an impromptu dip in Rutland Water before being swept up by the two safety vessels that are always on standby.

Uppingham Rotarian Jayne Bryers was given the honour of being first to try out the new hoist, which she described as “an amazing experience and humbling”.

Thanking the Rotarians for their continued and generous support, Rutland Sailability chairman Andrew St John talked about the history of the charity, which marked its 30th anniversary earlier this year. Rutland’s is the largest sailability club in the UK.

Fundraising and support is hugely important for the charity, which needs at least five hoists for the smooth running of sailing sessions. Each has a lifespan of about five years, while boats also need refurbishing and replacing.

The next fundraising challenge for Rutland Sailability is to raise about £12,000 for a new boat, a target members hope to reach later this year.