Our Impact

What is Sailability at Exe Sailing Club doing to help?

To give some context first:

• The project began in 2007 and now runs many sessions throughout the week using specially adapted boats e.g. a Hawk 20 dayboat, RS Quest dinghies, and a twin-hulled launch, with adaptations (seating, hoists, etc.) for non-ambulant users. 
• It works with schools, charities, care homes, offering opportunities from sensory input to boat handling and everything in-between, depending on ability. 
• Since 2007 the scheme has grown to have 100 regular volunteers, running hundreds of sessions a year and supporting hundreds of sailors. 
• Recently, Exe Sailability was awarded the Kings Award for Voluntary Service, recognising the contribution of its volunteers. 
  

Impacts on the Sailors

These are people with a range of disabilities: physical impairments, sensory impairments, learning difficulties, or who just find it difficult to access sailing.

Physical and sensory benefits

• Access to the water, wind, spray, movement of waves gives sensory stimulation which for many people is beneficial: e.g. feelings of calm, of being in nature, or reconnecting with senses.
• Movement, coordination, opportunities to learn boating tasks helps build physical confidence, fine motor skills and balance. Even in roles where physical input is limited, just being on adapted boats gives many opportunities.
   
  Emotional / Psychological

• Confidence: many start hesitant but grow in confidence, joy and excitement as they get used to the environment. 
• Sense of achievement: acquiring skills, earning RYA or Sailability certificates, sometimes progressing to more advanced qualifications. This gives a sense of progression and capability. 
• Social inclusion: engaging with peers, volunteers, staff; inclusion in activities; connecting with others in similar circumstances. Reduces isolation. 

Broader outcomes

• Some participants have gone on to higher levels: e.g. one user from the Deaf Academy becoming part of GB deaf sailing team. 
• Provides a pathway into sailing more generally and into mainstream club membership. As an RYA training centre access to further courses are available. 
  

Impacts on the Volunteers

Volunteers are central to how Exe Sailability runs. The scheme has many positive effects for them as well.

Personal satisfaction and emotional reward

• Many volunteers report that just seeing smiling faces makes it all worth it. The emotional satisfaction of helping, witnessing growth in sailors, enabling something that otherwise might be inaccessible. 
• Recognition: the Kings Award for the volunteers shows their service is valued and acknowledged publicly. That recognition boosts morale, encourages commitment and fosters skills development.
• Volunteers acquire or improve skills: in boat handling, in safety, in adapted sailing, in assisting people with different needs; also soft skills such as communication, patience and teaching.
• Some volunteers may go on to instruct or take on leadership roles. By being involved in programmes like this there are opportunities to build experience that is transferable.

Community and social benefits

• Volunteering builds connections: with other volunteers, with the broader club, with participants, with partner organisations (schools, charities) etc. It strengthens community ties.
• Sense of purpose: offering meaningful contribution; often these roles give a strong sense of identity and meaning.

Challenges and demands

It’s not all straightforward; volunteers take on responsibilities, including safety, adaptation, sometimes challenging behaviour and logistical issues. The Exe Sailabilty project has built good support and continues to learn and develop, bringing even more rewards to volunteers and sailors.

Impacts on the Club / Community

• The project helps the Exe Sailing Club become more inclusive and visible, attracting supporters, recognition and broader membership.
• It builds capacity: adapted boats, facilities and training, which benefits the whole club.
• It shows how sport / outdoor recreation can be accessible; helps shift community perceptions about disability. 

Overall impact & benefits

Putting this together, Sailability at Exe Sailing Club is more than a add-on; it is deeply transformative for both sailors and volunteers.

Some of the key benefits are:

• Empowerment: giving access to people who might otherwise find participation in sailing difficult or impossible.
• Social inclusion: helping reduce isolation, creating new friendships, integrating people with disabilities into broader club life.
• Positive mental health effects: from being outdoors, on water, learning and succeeding.
• Volunteers are enriched: meaningful experience, new skills, strong sense of community and satisfaction.
• Institutional recognition: encourages sustainability, helps with funding, ensures that the project is valued and continues to grow.