Mariners of Bewl - Club of the Month, May 2023
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Choosing our Club of the Month for May 2023 was a breeze when it came to the Mariners of Bewl.
Based from picturesque Bewl Water in Kent, the club have been creating quite a storm in the world of adaptive and inclusive sailing. Breaking down barriers to help even more of the disabled community enjoy this amazing experience and its bouyant community.
The Mariners of Bewl are a Royal Yachting Association 'Sailability' club and all members take great pride in their inclusive offerings. Club chair, Carolyn Howden, told us:
"We have a fleet of 8 boats. All of our boats are adaptive and can cater for different types of impairment, physical ability or sailing ability as well".
"Our membership isn't made up just of those from the disabled community, we have non-disabled members as well. We all sail together and we are all are here on an equal basis".
This sentiment rang true throughout our visit to the club. From rigging, preparing and launching the boats, through to being an active part in the sailing itself and the post event social time. Everyone was encouraged to be involved at a level that suited them and every contribution was celebrated and valued.
While chatting to the club's members, it became clear just how accessible and liberating the sport was. 92 year old participant, Ivor Nash, who attended with his daughter Kathryn, told us:
"It's heaven on that water. You don't appreciate the freedom you have just sailing. The first time I went out here, I couldn't believe I was actually sailing at my age. I put my hand in the water and felt the water going quite fast past... I was in my element!"
That feeling of independence, and almost surprise at being able to sail with an impairment, was also echoed by participants Duncan Curtis and Graham Tombs.
Duncan told us "I missed the being outdoors. Couldn't do it. And then suddenly here I am, big outdoors right out in the middle of it, the gusts of wind blowing and spray coming up... it's a no brainer really."
Graham shared how sailing helped him overcome some of his fears too. "I’ve never liked boats at all. If I had to go on a ferry I had to get out the car, because I knew if the ferry sank I could swim to shore. And someone suggested that I try sailing. So I thought yeah, I'll give it a go. And within nine weeks I was sailing one of those little Hansas’ (a boat) on my own. But I've got that confidence now."
The addition of a hoist at the club is one of many pieces of equipment that enable Ivor and other members with restricted mobility to easily board the boats. This was purchased through the amazing fundraising efforts of the club's membership, including Ivor's daughter Kathryn who said:
"Since the hoist has been there, it really has changed everything. He's got to a certain age (92) and obviously with the disabilities he has, it's been very difficult for for dad to let go of a lot of things. So to actually be able to bring him (Ivor) down here and have the support round here of the Mariners of Bewl and see him have his freedom and his independence on the water, it's really special. It keeps Dad going definitely. 100%."
Graham also told us that "Sailing is actually a lot cheaper than people think. For starters the club has all the equipment you need to take part, you just need some shorts and sunscreen. We also offer 2 free taster sessions to make sure you can experience everything and explore all the possible adaptions before becoming a member. Finally membership (which give you access to sailing every Saturday throughout the season) is just £107!"
Not that we want to go overboard with praise, but here at Every Body Moves we were impressed by how the club involves all members in every stage of the sailing journey at a level that suits them, Breaking down the barriers for participation and making sailing a truly inclusive and liberating way to be more active. A huge congratulations to the whole club and we look forward to seeing more from them in the future.
