The 2024 season is due to start in April. Thanks to a successful fund-raising effort, a replacement engine for the support RIB is being procured. It is necessary to book a sailing time-slot but if you would like just to see what is on offer then an un-booked visit is possible. Please contact us to discuss buddy sailing for those that cannot sail on their own.

The Project

The tidal nature of local Essex rivers and estuaries make handling and launching sailing dinghies difficult for disabled sailors. The Hanningfield Sailability Project has been created to overcome this hurdle. Our group have been operating since 2013 at this beautiful reservoir. We provide people with a disability the opportunity to sailing on this delightful expanse of water in the heart of Essex Hanningfield Reservoir is a large non-tidal area of open water with shore side facilities for storage of boats and equipment. We have the full backing of RYA Sailability, Chelmsford Borough Council and Essex and Suffolk Water. We have an RYA qualified instructor available and training opportunities for volunteer helpers.

Sailing

Sailing takes place on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 to 12:30 & 13:30 to 15:30, April - August inclusive. More confident sailors can sail single-handed, otherwise a "buddy" will come in the boat with the sailor. Sailing is cancelled if the wind is blowing above 18 knots. Racing takes place on Wednesday afternoons.

Facilities & Boats

Disabled toilet and changing facilities are available. We also have hoists to allow non-mobile sailors to access the boats. Craft include Challenger & Weta trimarans, Hansa 303's, Martin 16's, Liberty's and RS Venture keel boats.

Find-Us

We are located at The Fishing Lodge, South Hanningfield Road, South Hanningfield, CM3 8HX.

Sponsors

We are grateful to The Westerly Owners East Coast Group, The Lions Club, MW Holland, Essex Mark Benevolent Fund, Billericay Round Table, Chiltern Trust, DSA, Rotary Club of Rochford, Rotary Club of Wickford, Rotary Club of Thorpe Bay and supporters of fundraising events for their generous donations.

Contact

team@hanningfieldsailability.org Send Mail