Sailability History

Sailability originated in Great Britain in the 1980's with the aim to make sailing accessible to people with disabilities.

It began when the Royal Yachting Association formed the Seamanship Foundation. At the same time, a number of individual Sailability groups had formed, which became the basis of a national organisation for disabled sailors. As a result, RYA Sailability was created. Today the organisation is the leading national authority for disabled sailing in the UK with over 15,000 sailors benefiting from its activities.

RYA Sailability is considered to be the most active sailing organisation for people with disabilities in the world, with over 200 clubs in the UK alone. An eager group of Sailability volunteers have successfully taken Sailability around the world.

Sailability operates under various names, with new national Sailability organisations being established on a regular basis.

Sailability in Dubai, UAE

In Dubai in 2005, a parent organised group 'All for Downs' began to arrange joyrides and sailing activities at the DOSC Sailing Club, for Down Syndrome children.

In 2008, members of DOSC and volunteers from Special Needs Awareness Program (SNAP), arranged for students from special needs schools to attend the club to gain the thrill of sailing experiences at the club.

In the Spring of 2009, DOSC achieved RYA Sailability recognition and affiliation.  DOSC Sailability is one of a few very select overseas centres to hold this status.

In the Summer of 2010, DOSC Sailability purchased 6 Access Dinghies, which allows students to learn the skill of sailing in a unique style of boat. The Access Dinghies are specially adapted boats that will not capsize, are safe and stable and easy to sail.