The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service
In June 2010 Rutland Sailability were honoured to be awarded The Queen's Award for Voluntary Servce. This is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work done in their own communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the anniversary of The Queen's coronation. It is the MBE for volunteer groups. Sir Laurence Howard (the then Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland) presented the award.
Management - Trustees
Rutland Sailability is managed by the Trustees, who meet monthly to discuss issues and policies of the club. Each Trustee has their own area of responsibility and presents a report to the rest of the Trustees at the meeting. The Trustees canvas opinion on issues around the club members in order to form and maintain the club policies and procedures.
Trustees
Listed below are our current Trustees and their responsibilities:
- Andrew St John: Chairman.
- John Deane: Communications.
- Jill Dunderdale: Membership Secretary.
- Robert Goodwin: Sailing.
(Anything that floats)
- Tom McWilliams: Sailing Support. (Anything that doesn't float)
- Andrew Painter: Treasurer.
- Jonathan Schofield: Chief Instructor.
Rutland Sailability - Affiliated to the Royal Yachting Association (RYA)
The RYA is the UK governing body for boating. It works to promote and protect safe, successful and rewarding British boating. For RS, being Affiliated to the governing body for boating helps us to run an effective, efficient and compliant organisation. Full details of RYA Affiliation are avilable here:
RYA Affiliation
Address and Opening Times
Rutland Sailability
Rutland Sailing Club
Gibbet Lane
Edith Weston, LE15 8HJ
Opening Hours
Thursdays (all year): 10:00 - 15:00
Saturdays (April-October) 09:00 - 12:00
RS Document Library
The RS Document Library (Members Only) contains a multitude of policy and information documents including Safeguarding, Equality and Diversity, Data Protection as well as Rigging Guides, Operating Procedures and Training Resources. RS members who have not yet received access to the Document Library should use the Contact Us button below to request the access details.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can you provide transport to and from Rutland Water?
A: Sorry, we do not have the resources to provide this service.
Q: Can you provide personal care while I am on-site?
A: Unfortunately we can't, if you do need personal care while on site we ask you to bring your carer with you.
Q: I can’t swim – can you take me sailing even though I can’t swim?
A: You do not need to be able to swim to go sailing. While it is not at all unusual for a standard dinghy to capsize and spill the occupants into the water our boats are designed so that they are 'virtually uncapsizeable'. In addition, we will cancel sailing if we believe it to be unsafe and we also insist that all sailors wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid when on the water.
Q: How ‘Accessible’ are your facilities?
A: We believe that our facilities are 'very' accessible. We have ramps, lifts, hoists, wide doors and purpose built changing rooms for our disabled members.
Q: I have never been sailing before – does that matter?
A: Previous sailing experience is not required. We would like to encourage you to "Come on down for a Free Try Sail" to see what it is like, see if it "Rocks Your Boat!".
Q: I don’t have any sailing clothes or a life jacket – do you provide them?
A: We have a good stock of sailing clothes, life jackets and buoyancy aids that are available for use for free. As it can be significantly cooler out on the water we suggest you also bring your own 'woolly hat and gloves'.
Q: Should I bring a spare set of clothes?
A: It is always advisable to bring a change of clothes, including footwear, as you may well get spray over the boat and a small amount of water inside the boat.
Q: I want to sail by myself to gain my own independence. Can you teach me so I can sail by myself?
A: Your objectives are the same as ours! We aim to train you towards the limits of your own individual aspirations. Many of our members who have never sailed before will achieve 'sailing solo' after a dozen or so instructional trips.
Q: How much does it cost to join RS and go sailing?
A: Membership fees are between £22-£55, these are the fees for a year, there are no additional fees for going sailing. Please do remember that the first 2 visits are free so that you can decide whether sailing and RS is for you!
Q: I have a child who has disabilities – can you teach him/her?
A: Yes, we most certainly can. While a number of children only sail on Saturdays (due to school commitments) we are ready and available to teach children to sail and, eventually, sail solo. For more details see Sailing - Youngsters With Disabilities
Charitable Status
Registered Charity No: 1069540
Company Limited by Guarantee No: 3526980
Helping Others in the Community
Rutland Sailability share their joy of being on the water with other societies that support a variety of disabled or disadvantaged members of the community. We regularly host events for PASIC (Parents Association for Seriously Ill Children), GDCS (Grantham Disabled Children's Society), Rutland 'Aiming High' and Children from Chernobyl.