In 1996 Lymington SailAbility was set up by a small group of disabled people with one borrowed trimaran named “Water Magic” (pictured). With only one, one-seater boat it took a lot of time for everyone to get on the water, but each member enthusiastically awaited their turn.

Obviously, we needed to grow – one member approached Lymington Precision Engineers in Lymington who financed another trimaran, lots of letters were written to anyone who might help which resulted in donations being made; collections took place outside Safeways and another member managed to get a £10,000 donation from a family friend. All this hard work enabled us to get another trimaran and three access dinghies.

Since then we have gone from strength to strength so that we now have two RIB's, a Pioneer multi and seven trimarans and we are a well known sight on the Lymington river when we all set sail on Mondays and Thursdays during the sailing season. Our great thanks go to all our donors and volunteer helpers who have made this possible.

After a successful first 12 years we all look forward to the next twelve and will hopefully continue to grow so even more disabled people can experience the joys of sailing in this beautiful part of England.

Top of page