FAQsFrequently Asked Questions
Carer: Do I need to bring my carer with me? While we are well qualified in providing sailing for the disabled we do not have the skills to provide personal care. If you require personal care you must bring your carer with you. Carer: Can my carer get involved with Sailing? If you are likely to need care whilst on the water we expect that your carer will accompany you in the boat. In other circumstances, we would encourage your carer to become as involved in any of our activities as they wish. Some carers have joined the club. We understand that you may have major concerns about our ability to provide you with an enjoyable and safe sailing experience. To allay your fears please do give us a ring so we can discuss and understand your concerns and, hopefully, persuade you to come and along and give it a try. First Time: Can I just turn up at Rutland Sailability and get a trip in a boat? Well, you could and would probably get a trip in a boat, however we would encourage you to call one of our contacts some days prior to your visit to discuss your needs and so that we can make arrangements for someone to look after you when you arrive to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. If there are any problems or queries on the planned day, before you leave home you can always contact RS Reception. Back to TopFirst Time: What should I bring with me the first time I come? Clothes: Jeans, T Shirt, jumper, anorak, woolly hat and gloves are all good kit for going sailing. Remember that it will be cooler out on the water than waiting on the shore. If necessary, we do have a limited stock of waterproof clothing. In addition, a change of clothes is essential. We hope you will not have to use them, but if for any reason you do get wet, we have fully equipped disabled changing facilities for you to use. Refreshments: There is a cafeteria within the sailing club where you can purchase hot and cold snacks and drinks. You may also wish to consider bringing your own. Speak to one of Contacts who will be able to provide all the necessary forms and advise on the process. Further Membership details and costs are available on the Membership Page. Membership: How much does it cost? Membership costs are available on the Membership Page. Swimming: I can't swim, can I sail? Being able to swim is not a necessary qualification for sailing. We specifically cater for people who can't swim and have never been on a boat. Our aim is to introduce you to sailing in a controlled, safe environment and show you what great fun it can be. With regard swimming and safety, everyone on the water must wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid. It is virtually impossible to capsize our boats and we always have a safety boat on the water to assist should it be necessary. You may get a little bit wet from the spray but it is definitely not our intention to put you in a position where you have to go swimming! Transport: Can someone pick me up and deliver me back to my home? Rutland Sailability is a charity with limited funding and we do not have the resources to provide transport to and from members houses. Volunteers: I have spare time and would like to help - do I have to be able to sail? No, you don't have to be able to sail to help out at Rutland Sailability. We have lots of administrative type of jobs and lots of others that just require a bit of manpower and muscle - getting boats and people on and off the water etc. However, if you do want to learn to sail we can also provide instruction. Volunteers: I have a reasonable amount of sailing experience - would I be able to help? Most certainly! We need people to train our members in all of the boats in our fleet. A number of our members are qualified RYA Senior Instructors but our training is one to one and this therefore requires quite a number of experienced people to take our members onto the water. If you would like to pass on your skills and experience, we can provide the opportunity to do so! |