Responding to the kind invitation from Caroline Wylson, chair of Rye Harbour Sailability (RHS), I arrived at Rye Harbour Sailing Club last Friday and was met at the car park entrance by Crispin Farrant (a trustee) whose job today was car park attendant. The sun was shining, the blue sky reminded us it’s nearly summer and, had it not been for the strong breeze, we could have been in the Med.
RHS hosted the event, at Rye Harbour Sailing Club for the official naming of the RS Venture Kerry. Guests, including Sally-Ann Hart MP, were arriving for the 12:30pm start, welcomed in by Sailability treasurer Ronan Quigley who gave a brief introduction before handing the microphone over to organiser Caroline Wylson. Caroline gave a potted history of RHS and how it has now purchased three boats, thanks to the huge support from fundraisers and donors who were present. She stressed how important it was to not only raise funds but to have new volunteers join the charity.
Based at Rye Harbour, RHS gives people with disabilities, the chance of sailing, on a regular basis, in a dinghy with an experienced skipper and crew under the watchful eye of a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) senior instructor.
Richard Hayden, senior instructor, talked to us about Kerry, an RS Venture multi functional boat roughly 5 metres long and 2 metres wide, the latest in the RHS fleet of craft designed specifically for use by sailors including those with autism, mild mobility issues, cerebral palsy, learning difficulties, dementia and mental health issues who just love “being on the water”.
Kerry can carry six people, including helm and crew and usually two sailors and two carers and can be adapted to cater for all needs including para sailing. Kerry has a lifting keel weighing 125kg which makes it very hard to capsize and, if a little help is needed to return safely to shore, there is an optional electric outboard motor available which is both quieter and greener than a standard outboard. The RHS safety boat is always nearby too.
Kerry Phillips is a regular sailor with RHS. He spoke to us all and the one message which he learnt early on and which stays firmly in his mind is “push the tiller to the opposite way you want to go” – a basic requirement for any sailor to remember.
I spoke to another regular sailor at RHS, Kirsty Stewart, a remarkable lady who has represented GB in swimming at the special Olympics and whose career has taken her all over the world. Her proud parents were also there today to witness the boat naming and talked to me about how vital it is to support RHS.
Anna Knight, volunteer helm and safeguarding officer, talked of her experience of helming and reminded us of the importance of the RHS safeguarding policy and procedures.
Kate Head, fund raiser for RHS, thanked all the supporters and donors then we were transported to the opera as Thomasin Trezise, a regular at Glyndebourne and The Royal Opera House sang for us, a spectacular rendition which brought the house down. To see Thomasin again she is performing on behalf of RHS at An Evening of Opera and Arias at St Mary’s Church, Rye, on Saturday October 14, one not to miss!
Rother District Council community grants have made a significant contribution towards the purchase of Kerry, represented at the boat naming by Cllr Lizzie Hacking, ward councillor for Eastern Rother. Jacqueline Stanford, chair of Icklesham Parish Council, spoke about their ongoing commitment for further RHS fundraising. Andi Rivett, mayor of Rye thanked all in attendance and then after the raffle, we broke for a buffet lunch before making our way outside.
Kerry was blessed by Reverend Jonathan Meyer, rector of Winchelsea and Icklesham before Caroline and Jacqueline popped open a bottle of bubbly and anointed Kerry in the traditional way. A beautiful day and an emotional and memorable occasion. If you want to get involved or find out more about RHS and the fantastic work they do just log onto www.ryeharboursailability.org or email them at info@ryeharboursailability.org. You can also call 01797 223112 for further information.
Image Credits: Nick Forman .