Simpson Marine Supports Sailability – Empowering Disabled Sailors and Promoting Inclusive Sailing

Simpson Marine is delighted to announce that we have become an official supporter of Sailability, a Hong Kong based NGO providing sailing programmes to disabled children and communities.

Founded in 2009 ‘Sailability Hong Kong Limited’ was formed to provide the opportunity for anyone with a physical disability, special educational needs, or on the autistic spectrum, to learn to sail or have a water-based experience. Whether aged seven or 70+, the charity believes that sailing increases self-confidence, independence, responsibility and self-esteem, all whilst learning and having fun.

Based at Hebe Haven Yacht Club  in Sai Kung, Sailability’s bilingual programs aim to provide sailing opportunities to everyone in Hong Kong irrespective of ability, gender, ethnicity, age, status, sexuality, religion etc.  The organisation has representation for Para Sailing with the Hong Kong Sailing Federation (HKSF) and the Asian Sailing Federation (ASAF).

Sailability’s ethos is a water-based experience offering therapeutic, rehabilitation and educational benefits, whilst improving confidence, communication and technical skills. Mental wellness and self-esteem also improve whilst developing new friendships when joining their accessible and inclusive programs. Sailability provides a safe environment for people to learn to sail, irrespective of their ability or any life challenges through illness or accidents, in boats that are safe and which provide much enjoyment to all who join.

The association is also able to provide the necessary training and pathway to those with ambition and the determination to participate in local regattas, attend international events, represent their country and compete against the more able bodied on a ‘level playing field’.

“Sailability Hong Kong is very grateful for the recent sponsorship and support received from Simpson Marine,” says Kay Rawbone, Sailability Founder and Chair. “This sponsorship is vital to allow Sailability to continue to do the work we do. During 2022/2023 Simpson Marine’s sponsorship will be used to provide resources for children and young adults from local SEN Schools/NGOs to continue their sailing journey with us. Funds will also be used to help maintain our fleet of Hansa Access dinghies.  Sailability Hong Kong cannot do the work we do without the generosity of supporters like Simpson Marine. It is with that support that we will continue to make sailing accessible to EVERYONE!”

To date, 6,000+ new sailors with a disability or other life challenges from within the Hong Kong community have sailed with Sailability, many coming back time and time again. Sailability is now conducting in excess of 3,000 individual sailing lessons, weather permitting, each year. From 2009 to the end of 2021 their individual sailing numbers reached 14,316, of which 12,135 were sailors with a disability.

Sailability is 90% volunteer led,  receiving no regular government funding,  and it relies totally on donations from corporates, local organisations, other charities, educational organisations and members of the public to continue its important work.  If you would like to join Simpson Marine, and many others, in supporting this great organisation and cause please visit their website here.