Sailability
Our Vision
Sailability at Exe Sailing Club believes sailing should be for everyone. Whether someone lives with a physical or neurological condition, faces financial challenges or simply needs a supportive environment to try something new, we are here to make it possible. We focus on seeing ability rather than disability, creating experiences that are enjoyable, safe and confidence building. Every week we see lives changed: independence discovered, friendships made, and self esteem boosted.
Try Sailing With Us
No previous sailing experience is needed. Our adapted Hawk 20s, wheelchair accessible powerboat and trained volunteers ensure that anyone can take part. Sessions run throughout the sailing season for schools, colleges, care homes, community groups and individual sailors. We provide personal floatation devices, waterproofs and all safety kit, you just bring comfortable clothing and the desire to try something new.
Contact us today to arrange your next adventure.
Volunteer and Change Lives
Our volunteers are the heart of Sailability at Exe Sailing Club.
More than one hundred volunteers keep our sails full. We’re always looking for new crew. Whether you can sail, drive a powerboat, lend a hand on shore or simply bring enthusiasm, there’s a place for you here. We provide training, mentoring and support, and you’ll gain new skills, friendships and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve opened barriers for others. Join our team contact us today, or if you want to know more click here!
Support Our work
Every donation helps keep people afloat.
It costs around £20,000 every year to run Sailability here at Exe Sailing Club, maintaining boats, buying safety equipment, training volunteers, and keeping sessions affordable. You can help in two ways:
- Donate via this link even £25 funds one sailor’s next adventure and £100 buys new safety equipment.
- Discuss sponsorship, corporate partnerships, larger gifts or leaving a legacy: if you or your company would like to make a lasting impact, please contact us today we are looking forward to hearing from you. Click here. for even more details on how we finance this project.
Every gift, large or small, enables more people to discover the freedom of sailing.
Our Impact
Friendships that last beyond the water.
In the last few years over 500 sailors enjoyed 220 sessions each season, on the River Exe and coastal waters, supported by 100 volunteers. Our sailors come from local schools, colleges, care homes and community groups, alongside individuals who simply want the chance to sail. We celebrate progress through achievement badges, RYA qualifications and, most importantly, the joy of being afloat.
You can get so much more about how Sailing with Sailability at Exe Sailing Club can help everyone involved, just click here
Our Supporters
We couldn’t do it without our supporters.
The Exe Sailability Project is powered not only by our sailors and volunteers, but also by the generosity of organisations and partners who believe in making sailing accessible to all. We are especially grateful to the funders and supporters who have stood with us in recent years.
These include Devon County Council, Norman Family Trust, RYA Foundation, Exeter Chiefs, Gibbon’s Family Trust, Exeter Round Table, Masonic Lodges, Noble Marine, Exe Sails and Covers, and Edge Watersports. To every funder, partner, and community group that has supported us, we thank you. Your generosity keeps our fleet afloat and ensures that hundreds of people each year can discover the joy and freedom of sailing on the Exe.
Recognition
Proud winners of the Kings Award for Voluntary Service.
Our work has been recognised with the Kings Award for Voluntary Service, the highest honour a UK voluntary group can receive, often described as the MBE for voluntary groups. This award is a tribute to the dedication of our volunteers, whose passion, skills and countless hours of service make it possible for people of all abilities to enjoy the freedom of sailing. It reflects the life-changing impact Sailability at Exe Sailing Club has in our community and places us among a small number of organisations nationwide to be honoured in this way. Read more about this honour here
Get Involved Today
Sail with us, book your first session click here and contact us now and get involved!
Click this link and become part of our friendly team, we are all waiting to say hello!
Support by donating click this link to donate now, or email us to discuss other opportunities such as major gifts, sponsorship, corporate partnerships or including us in your will.
Together we can keep breaking down barriers and opening the Exe to everyone.
Last updated 10:24 on 19 February 2026