On 2nd July, I was fortunate to spend a lovely day out on the water with the Disabled Sailing Association {DSA} and students from Treloar's School. I arrived at Port Solent Marina to meet the skipper John and the two volunteers joining him for the day. We were to go out on the 'Spirit of Scott Bader' which is a specially adapted catamaran, able to take people with disabilities, including those in wheelchairs.
Next we met up with the two students from Treloar's and their carers and all boarded the boat. After a safety talk we left through the lock and headed out into the Solent. John then trusted me to take the helm and I piloted us out into the harbour. Our trip took about four hours and saw us head over to the Isle of Wight and then return. During that time the two students had a chance to helm the boat and work the ropes for the sails, which they both enjoyed immensely.
The pictures show us exiting the lock and John wearing the gloves supplied by the company. It was great to see two of the charities the company supports working together. Currently the DSA is in the process of raising the funds to obtain a second boat which will be larger, able to go further and stay out longer.
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