Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club celebrated an important step forward for inclusive sailing with the official launch of its new adapted dinghy, New Venture.
The boat was unveiled during the club’s open day on Saturday 30 May, when members, supporters and representatives from Consett Rotary Club gathered for a traditional naming ceremony.
Champagne was poured over the bow before the adapted dinghy took to the water for its maiden voyage.
Ruth Andrews, the club’s Sailability officer, thanked everyone who had supported the fundraising campaign, including Consett Rotary Club, whose contribution helped make the new vessel possible.
Decorated with Rotary roundels, New Venture was expertly skippered on its first journey by Adam Bilany, a gold medallist in sailing at the European Para Sailing Championships.
He was joined by Consett Rotary Club president Rob Grinter and president-elect Karen Brierley for the landmark voyage across the reservoir.
The adapted dinghy will help make sailing more accessible to people with disabilities, allowing more members of the community to experience the freedom, enjoyment and confidence that being on the water can provide.
Consett Rotary Club said it was proud to be associated with Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club and to continue supporting local initiatives that promote accessibility and inclusion.
The launch of New Venture marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Sailability at Derwent Reservoir, opening up further opportunities for people of different abilities to get involved in the sport.
