The National Sailing Academy’s Sailability programme has continued to be able to offer outreach during the last year despite the COVID-19 pandemic. With strict protocols in place at the sailing school the team has adapted the programme to offer one on one instruction and sailing for the differently-abled.
Last year, thanks to a significant donation from the Jumby Bay Fund, the programme was able to purchase a bus specifically fitted with a wheel chair ramp to ensure differently-abled youths and adults can be collected from home and taken to the school to enjoy the sailing experience. Of the outreach, Sailability Director Bob Bailey said, “We are delighted that due to the kindness of the Jumby Bay Fund we have finally been able to realise our aspirations of reaching out to the community and ensuring differently-abled people can get some relief from being continually housebound.”.
Chief Instructor from the programme Sylvester Thomas says, ‘We have been running the programme for some years and I am really pleased to see how some of our regular sailors are now developing into being able to sail single-handedly. We assess each person who comes to us an individual and develop their skills within their capabilities and ensure each sailor has a tailor-made experience.’
The National Sailing Academy delivers the programme free as part of the National Curriculum to schools in Antigua including the differently-abled year round. This is made possible in part by the support of donations and sponsors and continues to need financial assistance. If any corporations or individuals would like to discuss contributing to the programme they can contact Bob Bailey on 268 783-8553 or email bob6191@hotmail.com or call the NSA on +1(268) 562-8060.
