A charity that helps to enable children and adults living with disabilities to enjoy sailing and some water based activities at Rudyard Lake near Leek. It’s the perfect sport to feel tranquillity and freedom on the water, or progress your skills and become competitive. Sailing is open to anyone, no matter what age or disability and you don't even need to be a swimmer to join us. To be an RYA (Royal Yatching Association) Centre of Excellence a site is recognised for its hard work and conscious efforts contributing towards disabled sailing. We are so proud to have achieved this status and continue to hold onto it. These sites need to offer an educational hub of good practice and a vital link for clubs and centres wishing to get involved and see how things happen. Sites comply with high service standard that can cater for 9 or more categories of disability and have been accredited with the RYA for more than 3 years. There is only one site per region and we are proud to be the centre of excellence for the West Midlands region.
Rudyard Lake
Dams Head,
Lake Road.
Leek,
Rudyard,
United Kingdom
ST13 8XB
Email: hi@rudyardsailability.org.uk
Phone: +44 (0) 7837271783
Tel: + 44 (0) 01782 853721
Proudly Awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service
www.rya.org.uk
www.rudyardlake.com
www.hotel-rudyard.com
Our charity offers a range of boating experiences ranging from the sedate for the novice beginner to the heart pumping fast racing trips up our scenic lake. Safety is key and we follow strict guidelines. In addition we are inspected by the RYA (Royal Yatching Association) each year, which we are proud to say we work hard as a team of volunteers to pass with high score. All our visitors will be accompanied by one of our experienced volunteers with the swallows, herons and kingfishers to watch as they nagivate the beautiful waters of Rudyard Lake.
We have two Rescue Boats. Our Pioneer Safety Boat with large reserves of buoyancy and a front of boat drawbridge entry system that can be lowered to allow wheelchairs easy access.
The floor of the boat has embedded tracks to secure wheelchairs.
Safety on the water is a priority and whilst we have visitors sailing with any of our volunteers, we have our rescue boat out on the water with our trained rescue teams on the water too.
We have four of these boats. This is an ideal boat for learning to sail and for moving your sailing on to the next level as they are ‘virtually uncapsizable’ and easy to sail. It can be sailed with one or two people on board enabling you to learn with an experienced sailor sitting alongside. However, once you have mastered the basics you will no doubt be keen to sail it single handed.
The boat has two sails both of which can be made smaller and less powerful if needed but also larger and more powerful for the more experienced or excitement seeker.
‘Barbie’ is rather special. She is one of our Hansa 303 Wide boats and she can be fitted with a powered controller mechanism that allows the boat to be sailed literally at the touch of a button.
This will then allow any sailor to be able to sail it despite their abilities. Barbie can also be fitted with a sip and puff controller enabling sailors with total immobility to sail her.
Once you have mastered the basics in the Hansa 303 Wide you will be wanting something more. The Liberty is a totally accessible, single person boat that is longer than the 303 but the same width making it a fast and exciting small keel boat.
Although fast, the design makes the boat very dry and comfortable to sail. Designed to sail ‘leaning’ the boat has two rudders which allows you to keep control of her in most wind conditions.
We have two Challengers Trimarans. The Challenger is larger than the Hansa 303 or Liberty. Although one of our Challengers seats two people, its essentially a single-handed boat that offers an exciting but safe sailing experience. Being fast, stable and well balanced makes it a boat of choice for any sailor ‘averse to leaning ‘.
The boat is sailed forward facing and steered by use of a tiller. The Challenger is seaworthy and in 2007 was sailed 1,400 miles around the Britain by Geoff Holt.
The GP14 is 14 foot long and is relatively stable. It has a wide range of uses including cruising, training and racing. For the more adventurous the standard two sails can be extended to three with the use of a spinnaker.
Our Wayfarer is 16 foot long with good stability and has plenty of room making it ideal for day cruising. In both the Wayfarer and GP14 you are generally required to move from one side of the boat to the other although some adaptation of technique is possible.
Whilst we want you to have the best time when you are on the lake with us we also want to ensure that you are taking your safety seriously.
| DATE | EVENT DETAILS | TIME | CONTACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/06/2020 | NOW CANCELLED IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC SAFETY Dragon Boat Race Team Application Entry Deadlines | Midday | treasurer@rudyardsailability.org.uk |
| O4/07/2020 | NOW CANCELLED IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC SAFETY Annual Dragon Boat Race (Family Fun Day) Stalls, Food, Music, Kids Race | 10.30 am | fundraising@rudyardsailability.org.uk |
We spend two thirds of our lives at the office. Employee productivity is important and getting the most out of your teams is vital to your bottom lines. Supporting a charity like Rudyard Sailability at the same time, is a win win situation. Not only are your teams feeling energised to get back to the office but you have helped out charity get one step further in achieving our goals. And best of all your both your staff and you get to leave feel all warm and fuzzy.
Rudyard Sailability has the expertise to help you create bespoke team building exercises with our trained teams. We can put them through mental agility exercises and at the same time let you all have a fun day.
Most corporate days do not realise the benefit of what they can do for a small charity, like Rudyard Sailability. We will work with you to create an outstanding day that will create rewarding results. The best reward is doing something that warms the heart. We have amazing scenerary, views that are endless, we offer our own training. And we are situated in the middle of the UK on the beautiful Rudyard Lake near Leek near Staffordshire.
Suggested Donation from £20 (members)
• Course Duration : Two Days
• Course content:-
*Launching and recovery,steering, parts of the boat, basic sailing.
• Ability after the course:-
*Able to steer and understand basic principles.
Suggested Donation from £20(members)
• Course Duration : Two Days
• Course content:-
*Basic sailing skills, ropework, collision avoidance.
• Ability after the course:-
*Able to tack and control boat speed, and understand basic principles.
Suggested Donation from £20 (members)
• Course Duration : Two Days
• Course Content:-
*Rigging, launching and recovery, sailing techniques, capsize recovery, sailing theory.
• Ability after the course:-
*Able to launch & sail a dinghy around a triangle in moderate conditions
Suggested
Donation from £20(members)
• Duration: Two Days
• Course content:-
Launching and returning to a beach, jetty or mooring, and sailing a crewed dinghy around a triangle in moderate.
• Ability after the course:-
Able to launch & sail a dinghy around a triangle in moderate conditions.
Donation £20 from Members
• Duration: Two Days
• Course content:-
How to sail in all directions, including an awareness of launching and recovering.
• Ability after the course:-
You will be able to sail in light winds under supervision.
Donation from £20(members)
• Duration: Two Days
• Course Content:-
Rigging, launching, sailing in all directions. Capsize recovery and essential safety knowledge.
• Ability after the course:-
Able to sail and make decisions in good conditions
Suggested
Donation from £20(members)
• Duration
• Course Content:-
Enhance your skills and develop techniques with a range of tasters from the advanced modules.
• Ability after the course:-
More confident in sailing skills and techniques, and ready to progress onto the advanced modules
Suggested
Donation from £20(members)
• Duration:
• Course content:-
Launching and recovering the boat in different circumstances, stopping, reducing sail, recovering a man overboard, anchoring.
• Ability after the course:-
Able to handle a wide range of situations afloat.
Suggested
Donation from £20(members)
• This one-day course is designed to provide a working knowledge of first aid for people using small craft and to support skippers.
Suggested
Donation from £40(members)
• Duration: 1 Day
Candidates under the age of 16 will be issued with an endorsed certificate
• Course content: Launch and recovery. Preparation of boat and crew, boat handling, picking up and securing to a mooring buoy, leaving and coming alongside, being towed.
• Ability after the course: Able to drive under supervision.
Suggested
Donation from £40(members)
• Duration: 2 Days
• Minimum age: 12
• Course content: Launching and recovery, boat handling, securing to a buoy, anchoring, leaving and coming alongside, man overboard.
• Ability after the course: Self-sufficient powerboater in the right conditions, aware of own limitations and those of craft.
Suggested
Donation from £20(members)
• Duration: 2 Days
• Minimum age: 16
• Course content: Preparation, boat handling, dinghy rescue, windsurfer rescue, kayak or canoe rescue (can be covered as theory), towing, end-of-day procedures, safety, suitability of craft, local factors, communication, rescuing other water users.
• Ability after the course: Able to provide safety or support cover to a range of craft, particularly sailing or windsurfing
**************DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED****************
Help us raise vital funds to help us continue our amazing work on the 4th of July 2020.
All our work is done by wonderful volunteers. It is a fun day out for all your family and your friends. And its packed with entertainment in the heart of Staffordhire with a scenic backdrop that is unforgettable.
Register your team of 11 to take part today. Teams need to raise a minimum of £400 sponsorship. A Deposit of £150 must be sent to our Treasurer by 24/06/2020 to secure your teams place in the race. Outstanding money by 17/07/2020. Support us in 2020.
**************DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED****************
Our Annual Dragon Boat Race on the 4th of July will kick off at 10:30 am at Rudyard Lake with some amazing stall holders, a superb barbecue, delicious cakes, music, entertainment, fundraising activities, prizes, raffles and a selection of art and crafts. There will also be a kids race at lunch.
Should you wish to set up a stall and hire a pitch in our marquee then please contact the secretary@rudyardsailability.org.uk where you can reserve your pitch for just £20 for the day.
**************DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED****************
11am on the 4th of July the Adults Race. But there is also an opportunity to register children between the ages of 7 and 14 on a first-come-first-served basis for the lunchtime children's race which has an entry fee of just £5 per child.
Our Dragon Boat Race is our Primary Annual Fundraiser, where we rely solely on you to help us help Rudyard Sailability to help keep the charity ticking over. And what an incredible day it is. Be part of it. Without your support and our incredible volunteers we cannot do what we do.
To ensure all visitors a comfortable day we are offer a fully-accessible wet room including ceiling track hoist (own sling required); shower, shower trolley/changing table and bidet-style toilet with hand rails. A separate accessible loo is also available in our Boathouse.
Our Boat House is equipped with a wheelchair-accessible galley complete with tea and coffee making facilities; fridge and microwave. Looking out over the Lake, where better to catch up on the news over a cuppa or a snack? We do encourage everyone to join us all with the washing-up too.
Being out on the water brings a whole new perspective to this habitat as you are close to the delightful ducklings; hanging out with the herons; or swooping with the swallows. Your enlightening journey will be serenaded by captivating birdsong emanating from the ancient woodland that lines the Lake.
Can you imagine anything more wonderful than sharing a picnic with friends whilst being moored on the Lake? Such tranquillity, community and serenity....... You can guarantee to be joined by hungry ducks, inquisitive swans and the occasional leaping fish keen to see what’s in your sandwiches.
Bell boating is a fantastic way of getting onto the water with all your friends. Racing bell-boats is packed with fun and a brilliant way to keep your body and mind healthy. If you just want to relax then with up to 11 people paddling nobody has to work too hard to enjoy the lake in style!
In no time at all you will be sailing your smile up and down the lake. With our experienced staff and specialist boats we offer a safe and fun way of learning to sail. Once you’ve got the basics you will be ready to enjoy a cruise, start to race or just potter about the lake with friends.
Our fully accessible Pioneer powerboat offers everyone the opportunity to explore the full length of the lake, learn new skills or just sit back and enjoy being with friends. Who knows, you could even join in one of our courses and get yourself qualified as a Powerboat driver!
We are a Charity that relies on its wonderful volunteers. If you like what you see maybe you would also like to spend more time with us to help others enjoy the opportunities on offer. Its so rewarding in many different ways! Just let us know that you would like to help and we’ll do the rest.
Get Involved Today
Be a Hero
Be our Hero
At Rudyard Sailability our volunteers are our heroes. Simply because our volunteers are the lifeblood of what we do. To us this is true heroism in real life. We do have the funding to employ a team.
We really do know just how valuable your time is to you. And your time is just as valuable to us too. It is exactly why to us you are a hero, you are members you are a hero, and to all the lives you touch here you are a hero.
Our charity depends on you to achieve our goals, along with its members, and our volunteer trustees. We would not survive without you.
Some volunteers are here every week and some once a month. Some who work from home, and some here on the Lake, there is room for everyone. Even if you were a family wanting to enrich your lives at the Lake we would love to hear from you. Abled or Disabled come & be our volunteer heroes - make the difference that counts.
So often we wonder how we can do more. Volunteering your skilled mind, or becoming a sponsor or a donor helps you leave an imprint in the world. This is without question leaving the world a better place.
Aside from building up our volunteers, we want to build up our volunteer management team. If you are interested in being a part of our management committee we would love to hear from you. Meeting would take place every month.
In particular we need volunteer that are
Avid sailors
Serving or ex-Military Personnel
Emergency Service Personnel
Fundraiser Managers or Events Managers
RYA Instructor
HR Manager
A PR Manager
A Project Manager
Good Admin Personnel
A Social media Executive or Manager
A Graphic Designer
An Accountant or Book Keeper
Legal Advisors or Solicitors
In Catering or a Catering Manager
If you cannot be part of the management committee but can spare a few hours a month, we still want to hear from you. Whatever your skills are we know we can put them to use.
access to volunteers
use of changing rooms and boat house facilties
access to volunteers
use of changing rooms and boat house facilties
access to volunteers
use of changing rooms and boat house facilties
Includes First Aid Training
Favourite Life Quote
Life is for living
Profession:
Retired Company Director
Why is Rudyard Sailability so important to you:
I have been shown that Sailability has the power to transform the lives of people living with disabilities. Sailing can give a new sense of purpose and achievement that improves self-esteem and gives opportunities for people to achieve their full potential
Most Memorable Day on the Lake with us:
Seeing one of our eight-year-old members teaching Olympic Gold medalist Sarah Webb how to sail using finger-tip controls. It was fabulous to see such empowerment.
Favourite things to do:
Anything to do with RS - The variety of activities required both on at off the water certainly means I am forever learning new skills and never at a loose end. At home I love gardening with my wife Cynthia, playing with our Chihuahua Timmy and having a pint at the pub with my nephews.
Why should Rudyard Sailability matter to the public:
In this era of reduced opportunities for those living with disabilities it is essential that we strive to provide safe and exciting experiences both on and off the water. Our service plays a vital role in engagement, fulfilment and achievement for our members, volunteers and supporters that cannot be found elsewhere.
Favourite Joke:
Two fish in a tank, one says to the other, "How do you drive this thing?"
Favourite Life Quote
When in doubt, do the right thing
Profession:
Retired B&B owner
Why is Rudyard Sailability so important to you:
I love being involved in a meaningful project that aims to enrich and enhance the lives of others whilst working alongside a team of awe-inspiring volunteers. I am captivated by the endless magical moments on the Lake and excited at the unfolding opportunities for the development of our Charity.
Most Memorable Day on the Lake with us:
A pontoon full of empty wheelchairs as the "Wheelies" Sports Club were all out sailing. Our Charity Goals were being met.
Favourite things to do:
I enjoy sailing, paddling or hitching a ride on the safety boat up the Lake and stopping off for a picnic. I enjoy having adventures with husband Rolf, daughters Candice and Tilly and with our golden retriever Lexi.
Why should Rudyard Sailability matter to the public:
The outstanding reach and inclusion across all communities is an important aspect of Rudyard Sailability. We offer opportunities to people of all abilities to come together to work as a team to achieve worthwhile, rewarding and memorable outcomes.
Favourite Joke:
An inflatable boy goes into an inflatable school with a pin, the inflatable head teacher says, "you've not only let me down, you've let yourself down and the whole school down!"
Favourite Life Quote
The quality not the longevity of life is what's important (Martin Luther King).
Profession
Retired University Lecturer
Why is Rudyard Sailability so important to you
Our members are some of the most inspirational people I have had the honour of meeting. They revel in creating a culture where diversity thrives, seeking opportunities to find a fitting place for their specific gift and talent. Members have often gone on to gain lifetime achievements that 'couldn't be done'. Being a part of this is both a humbling and rewarding experience. You see it levels another molehill in the playing field.
Most Memorable Day on the Lake with us
It was a busy summer day in August. The sky was blue, birds were singing, children laughing and everyone was enjoying the lake. Nobody on the water was disabled! What a day!
My Favourite things to do
Laugh and love, no particular order. If I can mix this with family country walks, sailing, painting, reading and travelling so much the better.
Why should Rudyard Sailability matter to the public?
Because quality of life should matter to everyone. Come along, get involved and see for yourself.
My Favourite Joke
On the very first sail a nervous sailor asked the instructor on board, "do yachts like this sink very often?" The instructor replied, "no, usually it's only once."
Favourite Life Quote
Carpe Diem
Latin, ‘seize the day!’, a quotation from Horace
Profession:
Retired Accountant
Why Rudyard Sailability so important to me?
Sailing is something that everyone can do. Whether just sitting there and enjoying the ride or actually sailing the boat yourself. This is not possible with many sports for those who have a disability so as a sailor myself I like to see everyone being able to enjoy a day on the water.
Most Memorable Day on the Lake with us
I don’t think that you need a most memorable day at the lake. There are many great days when the sun is shining and there is nothing better than just bobbing about on the water.
My Favourite things to do
Spending time with my dog whether it be out walking or just playing games with her such as hide a tennis ball for her to find.
Why should Rudyard Sailability matter to the public?
It is so important in getting disabled people into sport. Whilst opportunities to do so are increasing they still remain limited compared with those available to the able bodied. Rudyard Sailability is inclusive to all disabilities.
My Favourite Joke
I do love a good joke but have never been able to remember them so do not really have a favourite one.
Favourite Life Quote:
May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears (Nelson Mandela)
Profession:
County and District Councillor, Leader of the Opposition at Staffordshire County Council.
Why is Rudyard Sailability so important to you:
My daughter is a wheelchair user and I know the struggles she has every day to live an independent life in the face of so many obstacles: pain, discrimination, inadequate public transport, inaccessible buildings, and public hostility.
Most Memorable Day on the Lake with RS:
When I brought Ed Balls MP and Treasury Minister down to the Lake & we were struggling to get planning permission for our Boathouse. He got into the pink Barbie boat with Tilly. His only concern was that Tilly might find his presence too nerve wracking but I assured him that Tilly knew far more famous people than him. He was very happy to do anything which would help promote our campaign.
Favourite things to do:
Exploring the natural wonders of our world and going on safari.
Why should Rudyard Sailability matter to the public:
Because it provides those with every sort of disability and their families the chance to break free from their constraints and just have a wonderful experience in the most beautiful of tranquil settings. It is particularly vital at a time when so much is being taken away from people with disabilities: benefits, support services and dignity. RS is the most amazing charity being run on a shoestring by people with real experience of disability for those with disabilities.
Favourite Joke:
I am partial to most jokes.
Favourite Life Quote:
Profession
Retired Solicitor and Business Owner
Why is Rudyard Sailability so important to you:
Most Memorable Day on the Lake with us:
Favourite things to do:
Why should Rudyard Sailability matter to the public:
Favourite Joke:
My Favourite Life Quote
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't - you're right." Henry Ford
Profession:
Computer Electronics
Why Rudyard Sailability so important to you?
It was the 1st time I was able to do something by myself. Allowing me to be myself showed me there were times I could fly solo. It was a great feeling, one I want others to experience.
Most Memorable Day on the Lake with us
At the lake was one where there was no wind. Just Dennis our Chairmain and myself, stuck on shore adapting a boat so I could sail solo. I still enjoy sailing the boat that we adapted from 14 years ago.
My Favourite things to do
Computers, Electronics, Cycling, Sailing and Stand up Comedy.
Why should Rudyard Sailability matter to the public?
It gives disabled people hope and teaches them new skills that can be translated into every day life.
My Favourite Joke
P1: Go get ready for the party
P2: I'll wear my secular jeans
P1: Why?
P2: My religious jeans are holey
Favourite Life Quote:
Profession:
Why is Rudyard Sailability so important to you:
Most Memorable Day on the Lake with us:
Favourite things to do:
Why should Rudyard Sailaibility matter to the public:
Favourite Joke:
Favourite Life Quote:
Profession
Why is Rudyard Sailability so important to you:
Most Memorable Day on the Lake with us:
Favourite things to do:
Why should Rudyard Sailability matter to the public:
Favourite Joke:
2002
Rudyard Sailability was established at Rudyard Lake by a small group of sailors living with disability. This newly registered Charity operated out of an old concrete sectional garage with the vision to provide a new, fully-accessible building to support its operation.
2003
The Charity received Foundation Entry Level from Royal Yachting Association, Sailability, as the Charity developed to accommodate every category of disability, and welcomed aboard all those living and working with disabilities. This approach brought along a vital raft of volunteers willing to train to deliver sailing; safety cover; moving and handling; shore-side duties and help with the management, fundraising and promotion of the Charity.
2004
An expected refusal for planning permission drew media attention and inspired the community and local professionals to support the charity in its determination to build a boathouse to meet the needs of its membership.
2006 - 2007
In 2006 the Charity became a recognised RYA Training Centre enabling the delivery of RYA qualifications. The charity was shocked to receive a second refusal for planning permission, but with even more support from the community, they battled on.
In 2007 the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) announced that Rudyard Sailability was to be the first National Centre for Excellence and Education. Serving MP, Ed Balls, presented this award.
2010
Following the refusal of four planning applications in total the charity finally received planning permission led by a dynamic volunteer Barrister at Appeal in a Public Inquiry. The old shed was pulled down, the boats went into storage and building work could now commence.
2011
Throughout this building process the Charity continued to offer a shoe-string service from a lakeside portacabin.
The group was honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of the outstanding contribution made to those living with disability.
2013
HRH The Princess Royal, President of the RYA, made a visit to view progress on the building which drew lots of media attention and investment in the building project. The Club also became a Disability Awareness Training Centre.
2016 - 2019
The boathouse was signed off by the Building Inspector for use as storage so the boats were returned and the portacabin removed.
The Charity were delighted to be awarded funding from Sport England, so in partnership with local contractors, supporters and volunteers the push to complete the final phase of the building project began.
Contractors are sourced, and Rudyard Sailability begins its building project under the watchful eye of chairman Dennis Priebe.
2020
Rudyard Sailability prepares to finish the building project and relaunch the charity so it is best placed to deliver safe and high-quality sailing and water-based experiences, from a base that is fit for purpose and will provide independence, inclusion and dignity to all members.
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Please contact us by emailing treasurer@rudyardsailability.org.uk
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Remember to Download your Gift Aid Form
Or request one by emailing
We do get 25% extra on the amount you donate if you are eligible for Gift Aid.
If you decide to donate £10 each month from your salary, only £8 is actually deducted by your employer and the taxman pays us the rest. Or if you're on a higher tax rate (40%), only £6 comes out of your salary and the taxman pays us the rest. If this sounds amazing talk to your company today about the Payroll Giving Portal. It is really easy to set up and we do not need your bank details. You stay in charge and you can stop or change the amount at any given time, it is confidential and best of all its tax efficient for you and us.
Leaving a gift in your will is a gift from the heart, one that will change the way our members and guests live forever. Your gift will offer those living with disabilities the chance to continue to enjoy sailing, enabling them to learn new life-long skills whilst making new friends. We advise anyone thinking about this approach to consult legal advice. To know more, email us for more information or a confidential talk.
The Secretary
Rudyard Sailability Charity
Leek, Stoke-On-Trent,
United Kingdom
ST13 8XB
Phone: 07837271783
(Volunteer No.)
If there is no answer kindly leave a message and we will
get back to you. Alternatively text us a question and your details to get back to you.
Fri - Mon - By Arrangement (Contact us)
Tues - 10am until 2pm
Wed - Thurs - By Arrangement (Contact us)
Lake Road
Rudyard
Nr Leek
Staffordshire
ST13 8XB
Directions
After driving along Lake Road take
the driveway on your right down to
the lake. The Rudyard Lake car park is
at the bottom of the driveway. Please take care as the driveway is a
little uneven. Note there is a parking fee. So carry a few £1 coins to be safe.
