Disabled Sailing Association

The Disabled Sailing Association (DSA) is an ‘RYA Sailability’ affiliated and approved organisation. We were established as a charity in 2005 by six disabled people who loved sailing at sea and wished to encourage and provide the opportunity to others with a disability to enjoy sailing. We are a non-profit making organisation, all our management team, administration help and volunteer crew are unpaid volunteers and the organisation is fully reliant on external funding, donations and voluntary contributions. Currently we have over two hundred regular members with disabilities, providing sailing for all ages with a wide range of life-limiting health issues, up to and including those confined to a wheelchair. We also work closely with specialist agencies helping those who suffer from issues such as autism, Parkinsons disease, learning difficulties and chronic illness, ensuring they can also enjoy time on the water with us. We have two modern yachts which fully comply with the required RNLI sea safety checks and recommendations and are specially adapted for people with a range of disabilities. Wheelchair access is provided via a specially designed ramp and makes them accessible for those who have very limited mobility. Enjoying the fun and freedom of being at sea, handling the boat and the social company of working together in a small team builds confidence, friendships and social skills. As an outdoor activity it promotes a healthier lifestyle and freedom from the usual four walls. Sailing is a great tradition in Torbay and until the DSA came on the scene many of our disabled members felt excluded from this great activity. Our boats are in a prominent position in the harbour and they are regularly seen by the local community and visitors to Torbay allowing them to see for themselves the ability, and not the disability, of our members.