The Clyde Cruising Club Dinghy Section at Bardowie hosted a RYA Scotland Disability Open Day on Sunday the 2nd October 2022, inspired by race coach, club member and Hansa sailor Rory McKinna.
Laura Cowan, Regional Development Officer said. “The disability sailing open day was a resounding success according to the sailors and their families that were there. We were not only lucky to catch the perfect weather window, with blue skies and just enough wind in the morning to build the young people’s confidence.”
“We were also very lucky to have so many fantastic volunteers, not only on the water, but on shore, and in the galley and I can’t thank everyone at the club enough for their contribution in making the event run so smoothly.”
“As a RYA Race Coach, Rory was in his element not only passing on all his knowledge about Hansa’s, but he also raced with one of the sailors from Inverness in the afternoon which allowed her mum and brother to go out for a race together too.”
Brian Wilson Chair of RYA Scotland added.
“People travelled a long way for a chance of a sailing in the Hansa’s at Bardowie on Sunday, with people coming from across Scotland to take part. I did meet one local resident who took up the opportunity for the first time and really loving getting out sailing on the loch. Rory McKinna was inspiring for those who came along and with support from the Hansa Class association it was very good and a very positive event.”
This was the last event this year for the Hansa Class UK association who had transported a number of boats all the way from Weymouth for the event. The focus of the Hansa Class is to make the sport and recreation of sailing colourful, appealing, accessible and affordable for a broader range of people. Sailing for everyone.
Please find out more about the class at www.hansasailing.com
Also find out more about the RYA’s Sailability for those who may not wish to race and keep boating at your own pace. www.rya.org.uk/start-boating/sailability