Disability Sports NI has teamed up with the Ocean Youth Trust to organise a series of sailing weekends for people with disabilities.

From this weekend (6 August), 12 people with disabilities will set sail from Carrickfergus Marina on Friday evenings, returning on Sunday evenings.

While on the voyage, they will learn about sailing techniques as well as joining in below-deck chores.

Aubrey Bingham of Disability Sports NI, Northern Ireland’s unified disability sports organisation, said the programmes were booked up within days, showing that there was a great need for mainstream sports clubs to provide more opportunities for disabled people. “Hopefully other sports clubs will follow the example of Ocean Youth Trust,” he said.

Ashley Hunter of the Ocean Youth Trust said: “I am thrilled at the prospect of welcoming some novices to the thrills and excitement of sailing.

“Experience has shown that both disabled and able-bodied trainee sailors are no different to teach. Both make the same errors when training, learn at a similar rate, experience the same enjoyment in learning to sail and most significantly are equal in the water.” Details: Disability Sports NI +44 (0)28 90 508 255