Frensham Pond Sailability welcomes everyone with a disability or long term illness who is interested in sailing. Frensham Pond is a beautiful venue and we have a variety of specially adapted boats to help everyone learn and develop their skills. No previous experience of sailing is necessary, but those with experience will be able to sail at their own level and enjoy it.
The Benefits of Sailing with Frensham Pond Sailability
Have a look at this video to appreciate how beneficial sailing has been to many people
Many young people with a disability come and enjoy sailing at Frensham Pond as this video from the students at Undershaw shows
Taster Sail
Before you decide to become a member of Frensham Pond Sailability, you can experience up to 3 Taster Sails. In these taster sessions, you will normally be taken out by an experienced sailor in a two-seat Hansa 303 dinghy. You may take a maximum of three taster sessions. The first session is entirely free of charge. The second and third sessions cost £6 each but these fees are recoverable against the FPS subscription should you decide to become a member.
If you decide sailing is for you after one or two taster sessions, you can become member immediately.
To apply for a taster sail please complete the Sailor Registration and Medical Form and also the Taster Sails and Membership Form.
Becoming a Member
Once you have decided you would like to continue sailing with FPS, you will automatically become a member after 3 sailing sessions - there are no further forms to complete.
Your membership entitles you to:
- Sailing on both Thursdays and Saturdays throughout the season (Beginning of April to End of October)
- Use of FPSC facilities
- Invitations for the sailor and spouse/carer to FPS and FPSC social activities (ticket charges may apply depending on the activity) – Regular FPS social occasions are the Fitting-Out Supper, the Summer BBQ and the Laying-Up Supper.
- Inclusion on the FPS e-mailing list for routine Sailability communications. Receipt of the quarterly FPS Newsletter Breaking Wind
The annual membership fees (our year runs from November to October) are currently £60 (maximum) for adults and £30 (maximum) for those under 19. You are not obliged to pay this in a single instalment. If you prefer, or if you only expect to be an occasional sailor, you can choose our Pay As You Go option which is £6 per sailing session. Once you have paid 10 instalments or 5 for under 19s(i.e. £60 or £30 respectively), you will not be charged for further sessions. Also any payments for taster sails are credited as part of your membership.
Schools and Groups
Special needs schools and other groups are welcome to attend regular Frensham Pond Sailability (FPS) sessions on Thursday mornings by prior arrangement. Please contact us before attending to discuss your requirements.
Group Sailing fees: Each sailing session costs £6 per sailor with a maximum of £60 (adult) or £30 (under 19) per season (1st April – 31st October). There is no charge for a carer going on the water to support a disabled sailor.
Youth and Progress Groups
A very active Youth Group meets on Saturday mornings between April and October for young people over 10 years old. A Progress Group also runs on Saturday mornings catering for young adults. As well as sailing and sail training there are also social activities, such as the Youth Fun Day.
Sailing Times
Organised sailing takes place on Thursday and Saturday mornings from April to October. The sessions start at 10.00am and the latest check-in time is 11.30. Both sessions end at 12.30.
For the more experienced sailor, there is also race training and racing on Thursday afternoons from 1.30pm
Sailing will always depend on the prevailing weather conditions.
Safety & Organisation
Safety and welfare of our sailors whilst on-site have the highest priority. We have an ample supply of life jackets and we always have a safety boat on the water while sailing is taking place.
See here for details of our Safety Procedures and the Fire Evacuation Procedure.
Equipment
Buoyancy Aids, Life Jackets, Hoist Slings and wet weather clothing are all available in a range of sizes in the FPS Pavilion. Our Volunteer Helpers will assist you in selecting the most appropriate equipment for your sail. You may bring a family member, partner or carer to assist you. We also have several hoists to help with getting into and out of our boats.
Training & Tuition
We cater for all abilities and ages from 10 years onwards. You will be encouraged to do as much as you are able to but if you just want to cruise that is fine too. Sailing skills are taught by qualified and/or experienced volunteer sailing instructors, either informally during sailing sessions or as part of the RYA National Dinghy Certificate Scheme. There are also opportunities to develop racing skills in club fun races and in National and International events.
A very useful booklet has been produced which is essential reading for all sailors and is available for only £2.
Food & Drink
Food and drink are available from the Clubhouse Galley and we strongly recommend you order these before you sail to avoid disappointment. You are also welcome to bring your own food and drink if you prefer. This is a great place for a picnic too!
Social Activities
FPS has a flourishing and very popular social calendar which typically includes the Fitting-Out Supper in March, a summer BBQ, the end of season Laying Up Supper in October, and an annual end-of season review meeting (the ‘’Forum’) in November.
