In 2004, a boat en route from Galicia, Spain, crewed by disabled sailors sailed into Cascais, near Lisbon. Such was the impression it made that various local institutions and individuals resolved to set up a project whereby disabled people were able to sail there.
Financial backing from the local Câmara, the loan of facilities at the Clube Naval de Cascais, technical support and sponsors were all put in place. Following advice given by RYA Sailability in the UK, Access Class dinghies were purchased. These are boats that are well tried and tested, designed to cater for the needs of the handicapped sailor. Thus Vela sem Limites (Sailing without Limits) was born.
Charles Lindley, President of the Associação Portuguesa da Classe Access, responsible for disabled sailing in Portugal, told the Algarve Resident: “The scheme has been a huge success. Participants range from the very physically or mentally incapacitated to those who are only mildly handicapped, and even blind sailors are now catered for.
“Many have made unbelievable progress over the years and have become very proficient sailors, twice winning the European championships in their class”.
It’s the volunteers though that make all this possible. Some are experienced sailors themselves, they rig and handle the boats or get them in and out of the water.
Others look after the land side of things, kit the sailors out with life-jackets, put slings under those who need to be winched in and out of the boats and are always there with a ready smile and encouragement for the sailors – no sailing experience is needed for this.
In March 2013, an Access class regatta will take place in Portimão.
Charles Lindley said: “This will be a great opportunity for Algarve residents to see these remarkable sailors in action and to consider getting involved as a volunteer. There must be many Algarve residents who are or were sailors and like to spend time messing about in boats!”
A demonstration is being held in Portimão Marina on Saturday December 1 at 2.30pm – here you can see an Access dinghy and even try it out on the water. A short presentation on disabled sailing will follow and information will be available on how you can join up and enjoy helping in this worthwhile project.
Charles said:
“The Algarve is a region where we have very few disabled sailing centres, unlike the rest of Portugal and Madeira/Azores.
“Plenty of disabled people in the Algarve are keen to go sailing, so please help us to make this possible,” concluded Charles.
917520396 (Charles Lindley)
cdl@netcabo.pt
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