Hansa Class UK has been running sailing events for disabled sailors since 1999 and welcomes everyone to the wonderful world of sailing, encouraging people with any level of disability to take on the challenge of a Hansa sailing boat, pitting their skills against their able-bodied counterparts. Out on the water disability disappears, and the triumphs of sailing do not exclude anyone, disabled or not.
Sailing has an enriching and positive impact on the many disabled people who enjoy the independence and exhilaration of this stimulating sport, whether in recreation or competition; something many have never before experienced due to the severity of their disabilities. Sailing is fun, exciting, challenging and a great way of learning a new skill. Hansa Class UK promotes inclusive sailing for all ages and all disabilities, rewarding everyone physically, mentally and socially.
Hansa aim to keep sailing an affordable, accessible experience for their members. Many people with a disability are financially disadvantaged, and often face additional outgoings for care, transport, mobility, and assistive equipment. To achieve that, they are dependent on external income from donors to supplement their membership fees and other limited sources of income.
We helped Hansa Class UK to raise money for a mobile support vehicle – many disabled sailors would like to take part in sailing events but are unable to do so, either because they don’t own a boat, or don’t have the means to transport a borrowed ‘club’ boat, which means they can only compete at their home events. They wanted to set up a mobile support unit that could be taken to the various events throughout the UK, to provide the essential resources to enjoy sailing as a leisure time activity, or at competition level. We also funded new boats for them.