Poole Sailability is an RYA-accredited volunteer run charity whose mission is to permit local people with disabilities to sail. In a normal year, weather dependent, we run over 80 sailing sessions offering around 1,000 spaces on board our 4 Hawk 20 sailing boats, always in the safety of Poole harbour. This is done in two ways;

Outreach programme

We endeavour to be as inclusive as possible in our community programme and have welcomed groups from such organisations as Bowra, The Youth Cancer Trust, Young Carers, Green Island Holidays and Downs, Parkinsons, ME and MS groups. We also involve young people from local SEN (special educational needs) schools with weekly sessions during their summer term. In 2022 many of these pupils received their RYA Sailability Entry Level and Bronze level certificates.

Community outreach is a key focus of our activities allowing many people, who would simply never experience it otherwise, to enjoy sailing or even learn to helm the boat under the guidance of our very capable skippers.

Club sailing

For those who wish to take their experience further and sail regularly, we also run two club sessions per week. These are more hands-on for those who wish to develop their sailing skills under supervision but you can also come along just for the pleasure of being out on the water.

The charity is run by an enthusiastic group of around 50 volunteers and is based at Rockley boatyard. Funding comes from the local sailing community, local trusts and businesses and some national companies and charities. We welcome donations of all sizes and are always looking for volunteers, not only for sailing but to drive our safety boat, welcome our guests on the quayside and to help with back office administration.

We offer a trial sail so if you are interested in sailing or volunteering take a look at our website poolesailability.org.uk or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..