Penny Wake Gets Royal Approval
New Drascombe Longboat for Rutland Sailability
Sailors at Rutland Sailability are taking full advantage of the club’s new Drascombe Longboat after the boat was officially launched last month.
The Penny Wake, named after Rutland Sailability’s patron in recognition of her long service to the group, has been bought to develop the group’s fleet, geared particularly for adults and children with special needs.
The boat is modified to accommodate people with disabilities but also accompanying carers too. It also includes provision for wheelchair users, as well as hard seats suitable for sailors requiring spinal support.
Made by Churchouse Boats Ltd of Whitwell in Hampshire, the Penny Wake received Royal approval from HRH The Princess Royal and her husband, Admiral Sir Timothy Lawrence, at the London Boat Show in January. Her Royal Highness, President of the RYA, officially revealed the name of the boat, a big surprise to Penny Wake herself!
A host of prestigious guests, including Mrs Trish Ruddle (High Sheriff of Rutland), Mrs Sally Bowie (High Sheriff of Leicestershire) and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, Tim Hart, joined group members for a special launch ceremony on 3 April.
Penny Wake was invited to launch her namesake vessel in traditional style with a bottle of ‘fizz’, before the new boat slid gracefully into the water. Following a short reception, the guests then took the opportunity to get out in the new boat on the lake, along with other Rutland Sailability members.
The boat was funded by three mains sources - the Bruce Wake Trust, which encourages and assists the provision of leisure activities for the disabled, gave a £6,500 grant and the Cory Environmental Trust of Rutland, which supports community improvement schemes, awarded a grant of £3,500. The remaining funds were generated from individual donations to Rutland Sailability.
More information about opportunities offered by Rutland Sailability, for disabled and able bodied sailors or helpers, can be found at www.rutland-sailability.org