The wonderful world of watersport is open to all

If you are a visitor to South Devon or live locally, and have any kind of disability, the English Riviera offers everything you need for a fabulous time on the water.

As well as sun, sand and sea, the Riviera offers an unsurpassed range of boating experiences for the disabled, from dinghy sailing to yachting and motorboat cruising.

Whether you are, or have been, a seasoned sailor or just fancy getting out on the water with friends and family, you will find something to suit your maritime interests. The local coastline boasts spectacular scenery and wildlife including the internationally acclaimed UNESCO Geopark.

Whilst on the water you may see dolphins, porpoise and seals and a fantastic array of sea birds. The geology of the coastline is also outstanding.

You will also see other interesting boats including large ocean-going cruisers like the Queen Mary, with their guests being ferried to and from the shore in small tenders, or fleets of dinghies and larger yachts taking part in local, national and international competitions, which are really fun to watch.

In 2026, Torbay plays host to the Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) World Cup, so better book your hotel now if you are thinking of coming next summer, as its going to be popular!

From Torquay through to Paignton and Brixham, and around the coastline to the Rivers Dart and Exe, you will find a range of specialist sailing and motorboating organisations and charities that all have excellent facilities for the disabled.

You will also be guaranteed to receive a warm welcome wherever you go. Importantly, all of the disabled sailing and motorboating facilities can be easily accessed by wheelchair users and those with other mobility issues.

So, there is no excuse for any disabled person not to enjoy that well-being feeling of sailing and motorboating on the blue waters of the beautiful English Riviera.

In 2022/23, an estimated 16 million people in the UK had a disability, that’s around one quarter of the total population. That is reflected in Torbay, where around one quarter of all Torbay residents identified as disabled under the Equality Act in the 2021 census, that’s over 33,000 individuals.

Since then, you might realistically expect this number to have risen significantly as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, after which mental health issues have soared. Cleary many of these individuals may not be able to access the South Devon coastline for different reasons, but there are many who can, but have not been aware of the fantastic disabled boating facilities on offer. It seems that, until now, this has been a well-kept secret.

It may also be that the perception of being “disabled” may have been another barrier and may vary from person to person. Many may assume you have to have obvious mobility issues or be a wheelchair user to qualify.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Today, the vast majority of people who use these disabled boating facilities have “hidden” disabilities, including the widest range of medical and mental health issues.

Furthermore, many have never been on the water before in any kind of boat, but after their first experience they all want to come back for more. It’s something to do with those feelings of elation and freedom which they are left with after their time on the ocean, which are hard to replicate elsewhere.

In fact, many doctors surgeries are now recommending this experience to their patients as a positive health and well-being therapy.

So now the secret is out. Whether you are a wheelchair user, have mobility issues or any other “hidden” disability there are boating opportunities out there for you.

Organisations and charities, such as The Disabled Sailing Association, Wetwheels, and the Dart and Exmouth Sailability clubs, described below, all offer safe, affordable and attractive opportunities for disabled boating. All service the local communities as well as attracting visitors who return year after year to enjoy the fun.

In summary, the English Riviera is a unique paradise for boating for the disabled. If you don’t believe it then come and try, there is room for all. We look forward to seeing you on the water in 2025?

The following organisations and charities offer a wide range of boating experiences, so please check out their websites and contact them directly if you want to join up and book a session. Alternatively, come and find out more at the Ocean Adventures event on June 7 on Torquay Town Dock outer marina (by the Harbour Masters office) and at the Learning Disabilities “Big Bash” event on June 14 at the Torbay Leisure Centre, Goodrington.

The Disabled Sailing Association offers people with a wide range of disabilities, their families and carers, an opportunity to experience the pleasures of safe and affordable yacht sailing. The charity is run entirely by volunteers and supported through charitable donations and sponsorships.

In 2023, the DSA was honoured to receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The DSA is a members organisation, based in Torquay Town Dock Marina and affiliated to the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Sailability Group. It has two modern cruising yachts, which sail daily all year round, in Torbay and further afield, weather permitting.

You don’t have to have any sailing experience to sail with them. You can sit back and relax and keep a look out for dolphins or join in with the crew, pull on a few ropes and take a turn on the helm.

As a recognised RYA training centre, it also offers the full range of RYA yachting courses. Website: www.disabledsailingassociation.org.uk

Based at MDL Marina in Torquay, The Wetwheels experience is designed to enable every disabled person, including those with profound and complex disabilities, the chance to experience the excitement of power boating without boundaries.

Wetwheels Torbay is fully accessible, not just giving you the chance to be a passenger, but also to take the helm as the skipper, everybody gets the chance to drive! We have scheduled trips and experiences from Torquay, which can be tailored to your individual group.

So, whether it’s a wildlife spotting trip looking out for seals and dolphins or you simply want to experience the coastline from a new perspective, we can accommodate everybody. We occasionally offer special trips or outreach weeks at other

ports such as Dartmouth and Salcombe based around special events and times of the year. We look forward to welcoming you aboard our barrier-free boating experience. Website: www.wetwheelstorbay.co.uk

Dart Sailability is a charity that enables anybody with any disability to enjoy sailing, racing and boating on the River Dart. It is run and managed by volunteers and no experience is necessary.

It is affiliated to the Royal Yachting Association and comprehensive training takes place throughout the year and members can gain free qualifications. The charity has a large fleet of boats including specially modified dinghies with deep keels for high stability, small yachts and a bespoke landing craft, which accommodates wheelchairs.

We are based at Dolphin Boatyard, Dartside Quay, Galmpton. Whatever your disability, Dart Sailability can teach you how to sail a dinghy or small yacht. If sailing is not for you then we can make you the skipper of a motorboat, navigating the busy harbour of Dartmouth or exploring the hidden creeks of the River Dart.

Come for a free taster session and meet the rest of the crew, all people who have fun on the water and don’t let disabilities limit their enjoyment of life.

Come with us too on picnics, pub trips and games days. Between June 7 - 18, we will be basing our biggest motorboat, “The Ark”, in Torbay, where you could join us for a free taster trip. To book your place, contact Fiona on 01803 852605 or 07311 283185 or email membersec@dartsailability.org  Website: www.dartsailability.org

Since its inception in 2007, the Exe Sailability Project has grown to be an integral part of Exmouth Sailing Club’s activities.

Over recent years, generous grants and sponsorships have funded the acquisition of two Hawk 20’ sailing boats, a twin-hulled powerability launch for wheelchair users and larger groups, and a part share in the Club’s fleet of training dinghies.

Sailors have the opportunity of achieving a range of Sailability certificates, with some progressing to RYA 1 & 2 qualifications. The successful teamwork between all our volunteers has been recognised by the granting of the King’s Award for Voluntary Services in 2024. Contact: sailability@exe-sailing-club.org