A great day for Rye Harbour Sailability (RHS) as they held their first Sailability sailing
event of the year at Rye Harbour on Saturday, June 26.
There were two sails over the tide in Luey and the new Drascombe Lugger, Sea Gem. Having two boats has enabled RHS to take 9 sailors with disabilities out sailing over the tide. Also, the second boat has made a tremendous difference as it has reduced the waiting times for sailors in between sails.
Sailors who had sailed before were thrilled to be back on the water and newcomers were delighted at having the opportunity to not only sail in a dinghy, but to meet new people too. There was a light breeze, but the boats still kept moving, sometimes with a little help from the safety boat and it didn’t rain!
The new safety boat, Sea Rush was delivered in early March 2020 just before Covid-19 arrived, which meant that the boat was stored under cover for most of last year.
Everyone said how much they had enjoyed the sail. Huge thanks to senior instructor Richard Goring and the Sailability team for offering their time and expertise in making the day such a great success and to Jen Tomkinson especially, who treated us to a feast of homemade cakes, with hot drinks and organised food for the barbecue. RHS would like to thank everyone who visited them on that day.
For more great photos and feedback please visit Rye Harbour Sailability facebook page.
RHS are looking forward to putting on another sailing day on Saturday, July 24. If you would like to come, you will need to book in advance. For more information, please visit www.ryeharboursailability.org or call 01797 223112.
John Minter writes: The formal naming ceremony of Sea Rush and Sea Gem took place on Friday, July 2 at Rye Harbour Sailing Club. In accordance with Covid-19 rules, the event, with 30 guests and officials, was held outside on the clubhouse terrace.
Sailability chairman Caroline Wylson had not only organised the event but had managed to persuade the weather gods to provide breezy but rain free conditions for the naming. Liz Royle named the two boats and deputy mayor, Councillor Andi Rivett did the honours with champagne, wetting the bows of each.
The two new craft will undoubtedly prove invaluable additions to RHS, a local charity proving itself to be a well-used and popular asset to the Rye community.
Image Credits: Rye Harbour Sailability , John Minter .
Our first time sailing, thanks to Liz and Caroline and the large team, and a huge success for disabled sailors and carers. Looking forward to next time!