It was wonderful to see the National Yacht Club’s Sailability team recently host a Disability Awareness Training course for Transition Year (TY) students. A group of enthusiastic TY students from a variety of schools and sailing clubs came together to take part in the training, which was delivered by Johanne Murphy, an Irish Sailing Disability Inclusion Tutor.
The session opened with Catriona O’Brien from the NYC Sailability team, who introduced the students to the fantastic Dún Laoghaire Sailability programme. She explained how the programme operates throughout the sailing season, with Sunday morning sessions for children and Wednesday evening sessions for adults, giving sailors with disabilities the opportunity to get out on the water in a welcoming and supportive environment.
The programme mainly uses Hansa and 2.4 dinghies, both designed or adapted to support sailors with a range of disabilities. These sessions provide an incredible opportunity for participants to experience the freedom and joy of sailing while being part of an inclusive community.
Catriona encouraged the TY students to consider volunteering with the Sailability sessions over the summer once they had completed their disability awareness training. It was a great opportunity for the students to see how they could become involved and support inclusive sailing in the future.
Johanne then guided the group through the training with great passion and dedication, clearly demonstrating her commitment to making sport accessible for everyone. The course explored what disability means and introduced students to the three main types of disability: physical, intellectual, and sensory.
She also discussed the meaning of inclusion in sport, highlighting the importance of creating opportunities where everyone can participate equally. Topics such as ability, access and activity were explored, alongside discussions on appropriate language, etiquette and the importance of clear communication when working with people with disabilities.
A key part of the training involved practical activities, where students experienced some of the challenges faced by people with disabilities. These exercises helped demonstrate how simple adaptations and thoughtful support can make a huge difference, enabling both children and adults with disabilities to participate fully in sport.
Johanne also spoke about the importance of sport and physical activity for health and wellbeing, particularly for individuals who may face barriers to participation.
The learning continued outside in the boat park, where Johanne showed the group the Hansa boats used in the Sailability programme. She explained the various adaptations and design features that make the boats accessible, as well as giving practical advice on transferring sailors safely into the craft.
At the end of the course, the students were presented with their Irish Sailing Disability Awareness Training certificates, providing them with valuable knowledge and awareness as many of them progress into instructing roles or volunteering within Sailability programmes.
The day concluded with pizza, conversation, and the chance for everyone to get to know one another, rounding off a very positive and inspiring training session.
A big thank you to the National Yacht Club Sailability team for organising the training, and to Johanne for delivering such an engaging and informative course. The course was supported by Irish Sailing, whose ongoing commitment to inclusion helps make opportunities like this possible for young volunteers entering the sport. Irish Sailing continues to develop its inclusion training programmes with the goal that all instructors will have specific disability awareness training, ensuring sailors with disabilities across the country are supported and welcomed into the sport.
It is a hugely important commitment to the inclusion community nationwide, and initiatives like this are helping to build a more accessible future for sailing in Ireland.
If you are interested in finding an active Sailability programme near you please use the Irish Sailing club finder here.
Learn more about the National Yacht Club’s Sailability programme here.