Join us on Saturday, February 21st, for an exhilarating fundraising event hosted by the National Sailing Academy in collaboration with the Royal Ocean Racing Club! This fantastic initiative aims to raise vital funds for our Sailabiltiy program, which provides 80 differently-abled students, both children and adults, the chance to experience the joy of sailing weekly.
This unique event was conceived by Luke Spink, a passionate offshore racing sailor and skipper of SY Blueprint, who will compete in the upcoming RORC Caribbean 600.
After a life changing accident in 2022 left Luke paralyzed he never stepped away from the sport he loves Instead he returned to racing - going on to compete at the RS Venture Connect World Championships. Through that journey, Luke discovered our Sailability programme and immediately saw its power.
“I want to help ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can experience the freedom of sailing. On the water, barriers disappear. There is nothing more freeing than sailing your own boat, no matter the size.Everyone deserves the chance to experience the sport we love”.
The event will feature teams of two racing on RS Ventures, designed with inclusivity in mind, allowing everyone to participate, regardless of their ability. This innovative approach means that sailors will navigate using joystick controls in bucket seats, making it accessible for all.
The atmosphere will be lighthearted and competitive, with heats planned to determine the overall winner, provided there are more than five boats entered. Sailors arriving for the Nelson Series or the RORC Caribbean 600, as well as other enthusiastic participants, are encouraged to join in. The first team entered is ROC CEO, Jeremy Wilton, alongside race officer Chris Jackson, so they need some competition out there.
The entry fee is just $175 per team, and all proceeds will directly benefit the ongoing Sailability program in Antigua. Teams can register by emailing watersports@nationalsailingacademy.org or by WhatsApp at 736-1345.
If sailing isn't your thing, don't worry! We welcome spectators who want to come and soak in the fun. Your generous donations will help us continue providing opportunities for differently-abled individuals to discover the magic of sailing.
If you can’t be at the event, please consider making a contribution.
Via credit card: https://nationalsailingacademy.org/payments/
Or via wire transfer: https://nationalsailingacademy.org/funding/how-to-donate/
