First Visit

 
Visiting anywhere for the first time can be a bit traumatic, visiting a Sailing Club when you have never sailed before can be positively scary!  So, if you've plucked up the courage to even think about coming along the idea behind this page is to take you through your "First Visit" in easy steps, so you know what to expect and can enjoy your "First Visit" to Rutland Sailability even more!

Step 1

Check our sailing days

Please call one of our Contacts before you plan to visit to let them know you are interested and discuss any specific needs you may have.

Check the weather on the day you have planned to visit.  Generally we sail in most weathers (including rain) and only limit or stop sailing if the wind gets too strong (15 mph).  If it looks bad, you might like to call our Reception before leaving home to check that sailing is taking place.

Step 2

On the day, the best clothes to wear are trainers and "scruff gear" - jeans, jumper, anorak, woolly hat etc.  If required we can provide wet weather gear and we will always provide a life jacket.

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.

There is also a cafeteria at Rutland Sailing club where you can get hot drinks and snacks but you may like to bring a packed lunch.

While we are qualified in providing sailing for the disabled, we are unable to provide personal care.  Should you require personal care you should bring your carer with you and we would hope to be able to involve them in some elements of the Sailing Experience. 

Step 3

Rutland Sailability is located at the Rutland Sailing Club (see Map) Gibbet Lane, Edith Weston, Rutland LE15 8HJ

 

 

 

 

On arriving press the button on the intercom by the barrier and when someone replies tell them you are visiting Rutland Sailability and they will raise the barrier. 

 

 

 

Step 4

 

On entering the site, turn right and park somewhere convenient.  You are aiming to go up the long wheelchair friendly ramp to the Rutland Sailing Club "Wet Bar".

 

 

 

Here you will be welcomed by our Reception Team who will take you through the "First Visit" process of deciding what you would like to sail and completing various forms. 

We have a number of different types of boat from single and 2 seat dinghies to larger keel boats and trimarans.   Have a look at Our Boats to get a better idea.

 

 

 

Step 5

 

You will be kitted out with a lifejacket and, should it be necessary, we can also offer the use of some wet weather gear.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 6

 

You'll then be taken down to "Len's Den" (a glorified bus shelter!) to wait for a boat to become available.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Its then out onto the jetty and into a boat, with the use of a hoist if required. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 7

Now's the time to sit back and enjoy the sensations of sailing!  The sunshine and fresh air, the movement of the boat, the wildlife, the other boats - wonderful!

Depending on how many members we have on a particular day, we should be able to give you 30 minutes or so of "The Sailing Experience" before returning to the jetty.

 

 

 

 

 

It may also be possible to arrange a second trip in a different type of boat. 
 

 

 

Step 8

Eventually, its back to the "Wet Bar" for lunch or a coffee and a further opportunity to meet with members of Rutland Sailability and talk about their experiences with sailing. 

Perhaps you will have "got the bug" and want to continue to explore the joys of sailing.  Perhaps you have decided that sailing is not really for you but you see an opportunity for helping out, enjoying the sociable atmosphere and contributing in other ways to Rutland Sailability.

Whatever your future intentions we really do hope that you have enjoyed your day out with Rutland Sailability and we look forward to welcoming you as a full member.