able2sail Sailing Season 2017

Outcome

103 have had a sail on either yacht or Jenny Rose
14 experienced success in small boat sailing
6 had sails of 3 days with 2 overnights
4 had a training schedule and will represent Scotland West at the Special Olympics
3 undertaken the DoE expedition
Participation in RYA Regattas

Results

All the above outcomes were achieved and indeed exceeded. The numbers of young people taken out was increased.
The Youth Forum members achieved a variety of RYA certification from Bronze Sailability Award to Day Skipper. They participated in and won two multiclass RYA Regattas at various locations across Scotland. 10 of the young people had sails of 3 days with 2 overnights on board the yacht and motor cruiser together. The crews met up each night to have a social debriefing and evening meal.
The Special Olympics experience was outstanding with the young people leaving Scotland in a team bus with the other competitors. They were in the Olympic Village for a 5 days and after several days of competition against some very experienced sailors achieved 2 Silver and 1 Bronze medals. Many family members went to the Games.
The DoE Expedition was undertaken with the practice sail(3 days) having fair winds and sunshine, unfortunately the weather for the assessed sail was poor and challenging

Case study

Lewis is aged 14 years and is a pupil at Riverbrae School in Linwood. Lewis previously attended Kersland School in Paisley and was a pupil there for most of his primary school days. The new school at Riverbrae is the amalgamation of Kersland and Clippens Schools and Hollybush Nursery. All of these establishments catered for pupils with additional support needs.
As well as the barriers to learning that he may face, he was diagnosed with diabetes a couple of years ago. This condition is challenging enough on its own but again he manages this well, taking responsibility for the delivery of daily insulin injections required. He also demonstrates a great deal of responsibility accepting the condition and realising that his diet is important to the day to day management of his diabetes.
Lewis first started sailing at Castle Semple with the help and support of able2sail just over 2 years ago. When asked to participate with the sailing programme which was delivered through a school curricular activity, he jumped at the chance to try something new. His skills have improved rapidly and he has now taken part in regattas, representing the school and West of Scotland recently at The Special Olympics at Sheffield in the summer of 2017. He was a committed and determined young man in the lead up to the Olympics, spending a lot of his free time at weekends to train for the Games. He has become a bit of a hero in his school but he is a very modest young man for all that he has achieved. His success in gaining a silver medal at the Games was recognised when he won the Renfrewshire Council's Young Sportsperson of the Year.
Above all, the participation with able2Sail has offered him the chance to make new friends and has increased his self esteem and confidence in the process. We will continue to work as a team and look forward to participating in many more competitions in the future.

Outcome

Carers of 117 young people will have had a relaxing time with their young people on a sailing opportunity, or will have had quality time when their young person is undertaking a sailing programme.
They will have increased well-being as a result of their participation in a mainstream activity

Results

The carers reported enjoying their time with able2sail often asking for more sails and looking forward to next year. They were encouraged to participate as much as they wanted in the actual sailing process or just enjoy their time on the water

The introduction of a simple feedback/ evaluation form has helped us gather comments from almost 50% of our sails this season. The form was easy to use and was completed without any difficulty; there is scope however to improve on the number of forms completed throughout the season. What was clear was that some families embraced the opportunity to sail with us and spend quality time together with their families. The value of this cannot be underestimated.

Regular phone calls and meetings with parents of the Youth Forum members ensured that all information was disseminated at the same time. This has been further improved with a “whatsapp” group for the Special Olympics Team being set up.

Case study

Jamie has learning difficulties and, growing up, found it difficult being around new people and making friends. Margaret, his proud mum, said, “He would often refuse to come out with us on family trips so this is all a wonderful surprise, especially as when he was little he would never venture anywhere near the water or even go on wet sand.” Jamie said, “I just thought I would give it a try so I went a few times over the summer and got into dingy sailing. We went overnight on the bigger boats which was really interesting as that was my first time on a big boat. “Going to the club over the years has been really good and I have really improved my sailing skills and got even better at the sport. I’ve made lots of friends and have a lot more confidence now.” Jamie’s commitment and dedication was rewarded earlier this year when he came second in the dingy sailing at the Special Olympics in Sheffield, securing a silver medal in the process. He said, “It was tough going and the whole week of competition was really hard. I was very proud of the result as it was the first time I had taken part in a competition of that size.” Margaret was there to see Jamie cross the line. She said, “Lots of our extended family came down to cheer him on so he had a real support squad there. It was a really special moment for all of us when he got his medal.” Jamie gives up all of his spare time to sailing and encouraging and mentoring other young people who are new to the sport Margaret has no doubt about the difference the project has made to her son. She said, “To see him achieve this is incredible on so many levels and being involved in able2Sail has given him a lifelong interest. I never imagined that his life would turn out like this. It’s a miracle really”

Outcome

The carers of 117 young people will
- have had the opportunity to participate in either yacht cruising or motor sailing.
- if they choose to identify another person to accompany their young person, will have the opportunity to use the time freed up by sailing to use as they see fit

Results

The carers were asked to complete a simple evaluation form at the end of the sail. Comments included
‘‘Today was a great experience that as a parent I could share with my son. We were both made to feel very welcome and not a stranger. Great team of people would recommend to others’’
‘‘Doing this has lifted our spirits, sitting back and enjoying an excellent lunch – all so unexpected. A day of carefree activity!!’’
The parents/ carers of the Youth Forum members were invited to a celebration of achievement The young people were presented with their certificates, badges and a celebration tea was served

Case study

Debbie, loves spending time with her children as a family, but with two children with complex learning difficulties, it isn’t always easy.
Debbie and husband Peter are parents to Roddy, and Peter is step-dad to the other four children, including eldest son Ben, who has complex learning difficulties. Roddy is non-verbal and autistic, meaning time spent as a family is limited..
Between April and September, during the main sailing season, the family tries to get out on the water up to three times because the boys enjoy it and Debbie loves that it is something they can do together.
Debbie says: “We try to head out three times a season and they boys get excited about it in the lead up to the event. It’s great to see, they both love it.
“Sometimes myself and Peter will need to split up and do different things with the boys but this is something we can do together and for me that is one of the greatest aspects, seeing them enjoy it together.”
Debbie’s daughter Megan also joins them on the trips and is made welcome by the volunteers.
With volunteers on the boat, the family get a chance to socialise with other people.
She said: “Everyone we have met has been great, they encourage everyone to get involved whether it be at the helm or on the ropes.
"They got Megan involved and the opportunities for her have been fantastic.
“All the volunteers are keen to learn about all the children and young people individually, they will encourage them to take part but don’t push them to do anything they aren’t comfortable with.
“The volunteers are essential, without them we wouldn’t get a chance to get out and enjoy the water as a family.”
Debbie explained Ben gets excited in advance and asks months before the season when they are going out.
Roddy however, doesn’t get excited until the day when the car gets closer to the water and he realises where they are going.
Debbie said: “Ben loves being on the water and socialising with the crew.
"Roddy loves being on the water, we can tell by the smile on his face when we are out.
“It’s great that able2Sail are there and that we are able to get out on the boats with them.
"It’s a new experience for the boys they may not have otherwise had the chance to do and we are always made welcome.”

Outcome

117 carers will have had a sailing opportunity with their young person. All on-board will be encouraged to participate in the sailing aspects such as helming, setting sails, use of on-board technology
Carers will meet new “friends” as a result of sailing experiences and social event

Results

Evaluations from the carers reported positive results from time spent with able2sail. Carers requested more sails and inclusion in next year’s programme.
Comments included
‘‘Young people said they had a great time on the boat, crew were very helpful with young people attending to their needs great time all round roll on next year’’
‘‘Great day. Children really enjoyed and so did the adults – first class experience – the crew were exceptional’’
“A relaxing trip, helped by the weather, great friendly crew. Accommodating and helpful, ideal activity for our young people’’
‘‘Staff very friendly and loved the tomatoes’’
40 members of the Youth Forums family members attended the Award Ceremony enjoying meeting each other and able2sail volunteers

Case study

Debbie, loves spending time with her children as a family, but with two children with complex learning difficulties, it isn’t always easy.
Debbie and husband Peter are parents to Roddy, and Peter is step-dad to the other four children, including eldest son Ben, who has complex learning difficulties. Roddy is non-verbal and autistic, meaning time spent as a family is limited..
Between April and September, during the main sailing season, the family tries to get out on the water up to three times because the boys enjoy it and Debbie loves that it is something they can do together.
Debbie says: “We try to head out three times a season and they boys get excited about it in the lead up to the event. It’s great to see, they both love it.
“Sometimes myself and Peter will need to split up and do different things with the boys but this is something we can do together and for me that is one of the greatest aspects, seeing them enjoy it together.”
Debbie’s daughter Megan also joins them on the trips and is made welcome by the volunteers.
With volunteers on the boat, the family get a chance to socialise with other people.
She said: “Everyone we have met has been great, they encourage everyone to get involved whether it be at the helm or on the ropes.
"They got Megan involved and the opportunities for her have been fantastic.
“All the volunteers are keen to learn about all the children and young people individually, they will encourage them to take part but don’t push them to do anything they aren’t comfortable with.
“The volunteers are essential, without them we wouldn’t get a chance to get out and enjoy the water as a family.”
Debbie explained Ben gets excited in advance and asks months before the season when they are going out.
Roddy however, doesn’t get excited until the day when the car gets closer to the water and he realises where they are going.
Debbie said: “Ben loves being on the water and socialising with the crew.
"Roddy loves being on the water, we can tell by the smile on his face when we are out.
“It’s great that able2Sail are there and that we are able to get out on the boats with them.
"It’s a new experience for the boys they may not have otherwise had the chance to do and we are always made welcome.”

Outcome

Representation, attendance and participation in Sailing Regattas .
4 young people will have attended the Special Olympics to represent Scotland West. This will have been the first time this sport has been represented by Scotland West. Success can lead to international involvement in sailing

Results

Multiclass Regattas were attended at Clyde Muirsheil Park and Loch Lomond with the Annual Windward Trophy and Gold Medal in the Multiclass Regatta Hansa 303 being awarded
The young people represented Scotland West as the first ever Scottish sailors in the Special Olympics winning 2 Silver and 1 Bronze medal. They attended the 7 days in the Olympic Village Sheffield. They were subsequently chosen as RYA Sailability Team of the Year at an RYA Sailability conference beating a very strong leet from the UK and abroad.
In February they were chosen as the GB Team for the World Games in Abu Dhabi 2019

Case study

able2sail Youth Forum had three teams who competed in the dinghy sailing event at the Special Olympics in Sheffield from 7th to 12th August for Scotland West.
The teams were Jamie Kearns and his Unified Partner Darren McGregor, Lewis Nicholson and his Unified partner Mick Kelly, and Shannon McGhee with Laura Carrick as Unified Partner.

These games were the first where Scotland competed in this dinghy sailing event and the only other competitors was a team of five pairs from the South of England. This English team was extremely experienced having competed at numerous events both at home and abroad.

Our team of Jamie and Darren won the Silver medal having matched the best pair from England throughout four days of highly competitive racing right up to the last race which started with them equal on points with the top English team.

Darren and Jamie attempted a risky overtaking move in the third leg of the last race which would have put them into the lead but unfortunately the boat capsized. The two Scottish boys righted the boat and continued the race overtaking two English boats to come from last position to a very credible third which secured Silver for the Scottish Team.

Our two other teams comprising Lewis and Mick won a Silver in the Secondary competition with Shannon and Laura winning Bronze.

The total medal position was :
England 2 Gold, 1 Bronze
Scotland 2 Silver, 1 Bronze
Able2sail were absolutely delighted with the team performance especially as we only learned some three weeks before the event that we would be competing in Wayfarer dinghies when all our training up to then had been in access dinghies. All of the teams capsized more than once during the four days of competitive sailing - which they were not used to. However the team spirit prevailed and the competitors took it upon themselves to help each other and encourage those who had had a fright with the capsizing.