By Isle of Wight Observer
The Royal Victoria Yacht club in Fishbourne has opened its doors for its annual Open Day for People with Disabilities.
The club has a long-standing tradition of inviting people with disabilities to enjoy a day at the RVYC, dating back to 1981 when the late Betty Matthews organised the first event to mark the International Year of Disabled Persons.
This year over 160 guests, ranging in age from four to 90, enjoyed a day in perfect sunshine and managed over 60 boat trips out on the Solent, with 12 boats used. The longest waiting list was for Spirit of Scott Bader, the Disabled Sailing Association’s specialist wheelchair-carrying yacht.
Commodore, Steve Sheridan, said: “It was wonderful to be able to welcome so many islanders who aren’t usually able to get out on the water. Our members turned out en masse to enable people of all ages and with a range of disabilities to use our facilities and enjoy sailing and motor boating on a glorious summer day.
“A huge amount of effort went into organising the day and we were delighted to welcome the Lord Lieutenant, Susie Sheldon; the Under Sheriff, John Matthews; Martin Gulliver from Wightlink; and Fishbourne Parish Councillors.”
