‘Ahoy There’ commended for helping with loneliness

By Chris Cornford Jan 3, 2021

The RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year have awarded Cowes Sailability Club a certificate of commendation for the inspiring ‘Ahoy There’ initiative, which helped to relieve feelings of isolation and loneliness for members and volunteers during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Cowes Sailability Club, a charity which provides sailing to children and adults with physical and learning difficulties, realised that many of its volunteers and members would be at a high-risk of contracting coronavirus and had to stay home and self-isolate. In response they set up ‘Ahoy There’, with volunteers phoning any member or volunteer who requested a call to lift spirits and help relieve feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Cowes Sailability Club Commodore, Judy Wyatt, said: “We are all absolutely thrilled to have received a Special Commendation from the RYA in recognition of the support that we provided for members during the Covid-19 lockdown. The ‘Ahoy There’ programme was such a simple thing, but it really helped people when they were feeling most lonely. I would like to thank Trish, Kathryn and all the volunteers who took care to make sure that the club’s many vulnerable members had someone to talk to, at a very difficult and worrying time.”