WHEELS ON WATER (WOW) PLYMOUTH DISABILITY SAILING GROUP

WOW was established in 2006 through the Plymouth City Council to give some sailing taster sessions to a number of young adults with a range of disabilities. Assisted by their families and the Youth Opportunity Fund the group managed to run a summer of evening sailing sessions within Plymouth Sound. WOW has continued to grow and is looking forward to providing sailing during the 2011 season. 

WOW meets on a Wednesday evening and operates out of the Mount Batten Centre Plymouth. The Mount Batten Centre is a not for profit adventurous activities centre, with the group hiring in Hawk 20 Keel boats, Access 303W disability sailing craft and the centres experienced instructors. Because of the nature of the group, with the young adults having different needs, operating within a professional organisation, under their operating procedures and with qualified instructors ensures the highest possible standards of delivery and safety. Instructors that sail with WOW have attended RYA Disability Awareness Training.

WOW follows the RYA Sailability Award Scheme where young adults can be awarded for their sailing progression and sessions can be logged as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Physical activity.

WOW main aim is to allow disabled and able young adults the opportunity to learn sail to the best of their abilities, no matter what their disability, within a supportive, fun and safe environment. Carers/parents/siblings are encouraged to take part in the sessions, to share the positive experiences, having valuable time together whilst being active and learning how to sail.

"WOW has become the highlight of the week for Sarah over the summer. Years ago I used to race weekly, but have never had the confidence to take her out in a boat on my own. The weekly sail has given me back confidence and the love of being out on the water. That love has rapidly been shared with Sarah.........she gets very excited when she gets home on Wednesday evenings from school. In addition it has become something that my other daughter has loved sharing with her. Having a child with disabilities does mean that many things are hard to do as a family, but sailing is achievable for all, and WOW makes it so."