On a cool and breezy Monday morning in May, the atmosphere around the project buildings at Alton Water near Ipswich, Suffolk, was cheerful and purposeful.

A number of disabled adult sailors took to the water using the project’s Hansa 303 dinghies as the wind was gusty so it was thought wisest to sail with volunteer buddies. I was delighted to be taken out by 81-year-old Leslie Downing, a highly experienced sailor, who gave me a great feeling of confidence.

Project volunteers helped me on board the Hansa 303, a sturdy, uncapsizable, two-person dinghy, though there was a hoist available had I needed it. Leslie and I sat deep in the dinghy, facing forwards. Everything could be managed from where I was sitting.

Under the Orwell Bridge

Leslie helped unobtrusively when needed and watched to ensure I wasn’t alarmed as the 303 picked up speed. The lively Hansa 303s are capable of taking disabled sailors from their first days on the water to national competition level, if required. The Woolverstone Project is part of the RYA Sailability initiative and can offer different levels of qualification to both participants and volunteers.

There’s no pressure to obtain qualifications. The idea is purely to find freedom and fun on the water. I talked to John, an experienced sailor who had suffered a stroke, became deconditioned by a lengthy hospital stay and felt depressed by so many sedentary post-stroke ‘activities’. This changed when he met Graham, the Woolverstone Project’s Chief Instructor. ‘At last there was someone who spoke my language.’

Arriving back at the pontoon

Wheelyboats as well

John likes to sail alone. As well as the 11 Hansa 303s and nine Hansa 2.3s (single-handers), the Woolverstone Project has three Challenger trimarans and two RS Venture dinghies. On the nearby River Orwell, they have a Sonar keelboat, purchased from Paralympian Hannah Stodel, which will take up to six sailors. There are also now two Wheelyboats with roll-on wheelchair access. Carers and family members are welcome.

Getting away from the land

Last year, the project relocated a Wheelyboat to the Walton Backwaters, from where participants could go seal-watching.

Some of the Alton Water sailors were non-verbal. Their body language told me how much this meant to them. The project operates every weekday, working with groups from special schools around the area. Donal, a regular attendee, said simply, ‘On Monday mornings I come alive.’ Shirley, whose husband Dennis attended for more than 10 years before he passed away, agreed: ‘This was his lifeline’.

Article continues below…

Disabled athlete and engineer Jazz Turner ‘smashes’ charity fundraising target

Jazz Turner, a GB para-athlete and engineer from Seaford, East Sussex, set off on 2nd June, hoping to become the…

Charity Bounty & Hope gives children in need a healthy lunch and a sailing adventure

Bounty, a sturdy 23ft open boat regularly sailing the waters of Plymouth Sound, is a replica of the ship’s boat…

How can I help?

Donate to the project via www.woolverstoneproject.org.uk/donate

Volunteer – there are so many jobs on and off the water, including supporting participants, maintaining boats and equipment, administration, and fundraising. Training will always be given where necessary.

Freedom on a trimaran

Raise awareness of the good work being done. The Woolverstone Project has excellent relationships with other local organisations, but there are still many people who are unaware of the charity and could benefit from involvement, either as a participant or a volunteer.

The Woolverstone Project (Registered Charity no. 1210807)

Tel: 07470 021454; www.woolverstoneproject.org.uk

If you would like to recommend a marine charity doing great work (including care for the environment) contact julia@golden-duck.co.uk

Enjoyed reading this?

A subscription to Yachting Monthly magazine costs around 40% less than the cover price, so you can save money compared to buying single issues.

Print and digital editions are available through Magazines Direct – where you can also find the latest deals.

YM is packed with information to help you get the most from your time on the water.

• • • Take your seamanship to the next level with tips, advice and skills from our experts
    • Impartial in-depth reviews of the latest yachts and equipment
    • Cruising guides to help you reach those dream destinations

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.