Impossible Dream comes true with Thames Sailability
Spelthorne MS Society and local special schools for severe learning difficulties are among groups who can look forward to river cruises following the launch of Impossible Dream, the Spelthorne Community Boat, on Friday 12 June.
The launch follows extensive fitting out at Bridge Marine, where the
boatyard has given a year's complementary mooring and on shore berthing while
the work was taking place.
The basic boat was donated by Mike Browne, through the charity
'Sporting Activities for the Disabled', and a grant was provided by the
Big Lottery, Awards for All, for fitting out with ramps, galley and toilet. Mike
is a paraplegic who sailed the Atlantic and Mediterranean in a previous boat he
created also called Impossible Dream.
There will be a formal launch at Desborough Sailing Club on Friday 3 July,
and an invitation is going out to local dignitaries and those who made this dream
possible.
Individuals and organisations will be able to book cruises in the
very near future.
Impossible Dream will
be operated by Thames Sailability. Through RYA Sailability over 40,000 young
people and adults with disabilities are introduced to sailing and boating each
year, and many go on to participate on a regular basis. Thames Sailability
has obtained 2015 accreditation recognition by RYA
Sailability for physical, sensory and learning disabilities.
Alan Woolford, chairman of Queen Mary Sailability and project manager
for Impossible Dream, says: “The boat will be based at Bridge Marine this year,
with pick up on Cowey Sale, on the Walton side of the new Walton Bridge,
or at Desborough Sailing Club. Great help has been given by the boatyard
staff.
“And for those who prefer sailing to boating, Queen
Mary Sailability meets every Thursday, from April to November, with mornings
for special schools and afternoons for individuals. The group also meets on
Saturday mornings integrated with able-bodied sailors for Saturday Club. Racing
and race training has become a regular activity in Access dinghies.”
For more information visit sailability.aspx
For more about RYA Sailability visit RYASailability.aspx
For more on Impossible Dream see 1460178507609193