Find a free date and come sailing.

Sailing on Scott Bader in Portsmouth

A real day's sailing, for every ability.

All disabilities and all ages are welcome, including electric wheelchair users, carers, families and friends. We sail mainly in and around the Solent. There is a qualified skipper and mate to help you do as much, or as little, of the actual sailing as you wish, and all the controls on the yachts are accessible. You are only a passenger on our yachts if you want to be.

Who can come aboard

• Manual wheelchair groups can consist of 3 or 4 manual wheelchairs plus walkers.
• Powered wheelchair groups can consist of 2 or 3 powered wheelchairs plus walkers.
• You'll be encouraged to do as much, or as little, as you want to do.

You must book your sailing in advance. The Disabled Sailors Association and all its activities, especially the RoRo Sailing Project, is a members-only club, which you automatically join when you book your sailing.

How to book

Booking is two simple steps.

1. Look at the diary calendar below and find an empty (available) date.
2. Email John, our professional skipper, at john@disabledsailing.org telling him:
   • What date you would like
   • How many people wish to go
   • If there are wheelchairs, say how many and whether they are manual or powered

What we provide

Everything for a great day on the water.

• The yacht.
• A qualified skipper and a mate to sail it for, or with, you.
• A full safety briefing and demonstration.
• Toilet and washing facilities on board, fully accessible by manual wheelchairs (not powered chairs, but there are good toilets and changing facilities nearby).
• Tea and coffee.
• Full safety gear, including auto-inflating lifejackets for everyone on board.
• A day full of amazing memories!

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What you need to provide

What to bring with you.

• If you need any help with your disability or day-to-day living, you must bring someone with you to help with this. You can discuss this with us.
• Any medication you are taking.
• Warm, waterproof clothing. It is always several degrees colder out on the water than on land.
• Sun cream / block.
• Drinking water.
• Your lunch.
• If we are going away overnight: mooring fees, food and bedding.

On the day

Where to find us, and how the day runs.

Scott Bader is based at Port Solent Marina on the A27 between Portsmouth and Fareham, junction 12 on the M27. If you have a satnav, the postcode is PO6 4TH. Give us a call as you turn into Port Solent from the A27 and we'll talk you in to where the boats happen to be located at that time, and where to park.

The day is flexible for a 9.30/10.00 start and a 16.00 return, but this is up to you. We'll happily adjust times. After getting everyone on board we have the safety brief and fit lifejackets, then it's out through the lock and out into Portsmouth Harbour.

A possible timetable

10.00	Arrive at Port Solent. Safety brief, then set off through the lock for a trip out into Portsmouth Harbour.
11.00	Arrive Gunwharf (optional request stop)
11.30	Depart Gunwharf
11.45	Arrive Gosport Marina (optional request stop)
12.15	Depart Gosport Marina
11.00 – 12.30	Exit the harbour for a cruise in the Solent. The direction of travel depends on the tides and wind conditions on the day.
15.00 – 16.00	Return to the marina.

This is all flexible depending on what you want and the weather and tides. If you have a specific itinerary you'd like, talk it through with the skipper in advance.

You can call 07541 754196 at any time if you have any difficulties.

Rules & safety

The Disabled Sailors Association is a registered charity and may not be subject to the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977. Sailing does have some risks involved and, by joining our club and using the facilities, you accept this and agree not to hold anybody responsible for any losses or injury.

While we're talking rules and regulations, the skipper's word on board is law. He or she will only have your best interests at heart. We are not as fierce as all that sounds, and will do our best to make your sailing interesting and enjoyable.

The sailing diary

Browse availability month by month.

Days marked Available are still open — pick one and use the link in that row to email John and request the date. Days marked Booked already have a group aboard, and No trips means the yacht isn't sailing that day. The diary is kept up to date but may change at short notice; availability is confirmed only once you have emailed john@disabledsailing.org and received a reply. Beneficiaries sailing as crew are usually asked to make a small contribution towards operating costs.