Inclusive Sailing with Anyone Can

About

Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, Anyone who can sit with support, Users of Wheelchair, Unsure or low confidence walkers, All visually impaired people, People with Auditory impairments, People with learning difficulties, People with autism, People with additional medical needs, Older people up to 103 years old.

Sailing is a wonderful sport; it connects you directly to the winds swooping over the hills from the sea and to the water rushing below your feet. Sailing is not hard; it does, we admit, look complicated but to get started you will be in charge of two ropes or a rope and a stick, even then you only use one at a time.

We love sailing because it's a fast self-powering motor-free experience making it liberating and exhilarating, independent of your strength, mobility and physical effort. We sail in several forms which suit different needs well. We sail canoe trimarans, a classic dinghy or keelboats (yachts).

Trimarans
Our trimarans are custom converted to provide the ultimate accessible sailing experience to our users. It solves the three significant challenges for many people: getting into the boat, moving around the vessel and the fear of capsizing.

Central to the design of our sailing trimarans are the wing floats they stabilise the boat so you can sail from one position. Without having to move around and because they support from the sides, this sailing boat can be pulled ashore for boarding.

The trimaran design gives a fast, easy to learn, and responsive boat that anyone can transfer onto whether you use a wheelchair, have worn out knees or just need a hand to get settled.

The tri canoes also have a unique "you've gone too far mode" most small boats turn over if you push too hard or make a mistake. With the floats out to the sides - our trimarans usually fill with water and float the right way up. You don't even need to get out to empty it - the powerboat has a giant pump just for that job.

The trimarans are 1 or 2 person boats so a helper can sail with you or the instructor can jump in to give some tips. Each canoe has a walkie talkie, so it is easy to hear the instructors guidance.

Classic Dinghy
We have a Topper Omega as our classic looking sailing dinghy that we chose for its size - it is a great big dinghy capable of working with up to 5 people. Being big makes it perfect for those who would like to sail as a group or need the support and reassurance of an onboard instructor. There are lots of jobs on the Omega other than being the steerer for those who would benefit from a straight forward job with less pressure.

To board the Omega you must be able to step or shuffle down from the dockside. A very confident and active bum shuffler can (and has) managed to sail her - you do need to be able to sit up to sail her.

Yachts or Keel Boats
For those looking beyond the limited movement requirements of the Trimerans with the group sailing and close by instructor experience of the Topper Omega: Keelboat or Yacht sailing is the answer. Keelboats have a weighted fin that holds them down - so you don't have to move to balance them. Keelboats are also big so the whole family can be on one boat - we run adapted keelboat days and overnights on the Lake and further afield. We can help with getting you aboard in the first place (which is a big climb up) through a hoist system. Typically there isn't a suitable place to position a wheelchair, but we can bring along a supportive seat to adapt the normal bench seats.

About Anyone Can
Anyone Can is an adventure for all company – we welcome those with additional needs. We have a wide range of adaptive and inclusive equipment to make adventure possible for our clients.

As well as the boats above we have a wheelchair access (and float onboard) support boat called 'Freedom". Freedom allows us to take one-way journeys, whisk you back to use the accessible toilets or give you somewhere to rest. Freedom gives you the confidence of knowing that if you somehow ended up in the water, there is an easy way to get back (our water ramp).

We sell whole day activities, so there is no rush we can take the time people need to get comfortable and set up just right and make any changes required during the day.

We have access to BSL instructors and have a basic level of Makaton.

We are aware and responsive to the needs of people with learning difficulties and Autism. We can arrange quiet time sessions, sessions with a breakaway instructor, visual timetables etc.

We are a small family run business with a passion for sharing adventures in the outdoors with as many people as possible.

We are aware and responsive to the needs of people with learning difficulties and Autism. We can arrange quiet time sessions, sessions with a breakaway instructor, visual timetables etc.

For more information check out our VisitLakeDistrict Activity listing here

Sailing activities we run:
Sailing experience days
Sail and hammock overnight trips
Sail and anchor overnight yacht trips
Learn to sail weekends
Duke of Edinburgh's Expeditions
Extended yacht trips - Scotland and abroad

Accessibility features - let us know what we can help with:
Float stabilisers - ensures no capsized canoes,
Supportive adjustable seating,
High grip matting,
Powerboat support,
Wheelchair accessible supporting motorboat (brings your chairs along), Moving and handling slings - gantry hoist,
One-handed sailing,
Grip aids,
Get in or transfer on dry land,
Quiet sessions and dedicated time out instructor,
Level access cafe, toilets, showers and changing place,
No strength needed recovery from water to our powerboat,
Radio support with headsets or jack output,
BSL instructor / Makaton (still learning) instructor,
Visual timetable - loan safety equipment - pre-visit - fixed timings and schedule,
Pet as Therapy (PAT) dog Cocker Spaniel,
Portable privacy and toilet facilities,
Alternative distracting toys and challenges
Time out or a distracting drive on the powerboat
Fantastic as a sensory experience.