Petworth charity wins RYA award for its work providing wheelchair accessible boats

A Petworth charity which provides wheelchair accessible boats to organisations across the UK has been recognised at the Royal Yachting Association (RYA)’s Sailability Awards.
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The Wheelyboat Trust, which is based in Burton Park, won the #MoreThanSailing award for its work enabling people with a wide range of sensory, learning and mobility impairments to enjoy water-based activities.

Andy Beadsley, director of the charity, said: “It’s fantastic to be recognised and awarded for our hard work, especially the vital role we play helping groups and organisations acquire Wheelyboats.

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“The innovation of the trust, and our boatbuilding partner, Jim Coulam, in designing, building, funding and supplying over 200 Wheelyboats to date is something I’m particularly proud of, as we’ve enabled thousands of anglers, sailors and school children alike with the means to enjoy a range of watersports independently.”

Andy Beadsley, director of The Wheelyboat Trust, with the #MoreThanSailing award - Picture: RYAAndy Beadsley, director of The Wheelyboat Trust, with the #MoreThanSailing award - Picture: RYA
Andy Beadsley, director of The Wheelyboat Trust, with the #MoreThanSailing award - Picture: RYA

The #MoreThanSailing award recognises a new and innovative project or activity that has given those with physical and/or mental disabilities the opportunity to become more active on the water, and is all about collaboration at both a local and national level too.

The RYA Sailability Awards at Wyboston Lakes, Bedfordshire, were attended by 184 delegates from 60 different Sailability sites across the country.

Sailability is an RYA programme dedicated to enabling anyone with a disability to be able to take part in sailing.

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The RYA’s latest scheme, Powerability, is specifically aimed at motor and powerboats, such as Wheelyboats

Andy said: “Sailability is becoming more popular and Sailability groups are beginning to see the benefits of having a Wheelyboat, not only for Powerability but owing to a Wheelyboat’s capacity of up to ten people, they’re able to meet the growing demand by accommodating larger groups of people.

“I hope this award win, and other forthcoming Wheelyboat launches, will help raise awareness of what we do, so that other Sailability groups, sailing schools, fisheries and others can benefit from a Wheelyboat to provide people with independent access to the water.”

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