There is nothing more relaxing or freeing than sailing on the river and, with so many waterways around the region, there is no better place for sailing than the Tweed.
So it’s hardly surprising that there is a volunteer organisation called Sailability On The Tweed aimed at allowing disabled youngsters enjoy the freedom of sailing and it is even less surprising that it’s so popular the group is looking to expand.
Group president Paul Dron said they currently cater for 25 kids from Tweed Valley Respite Servie.
“The group was established by Kevin Bourke in 2001,” he said.
“We have about half a dozen private kids who come with their carer and the same amount that come from Centaur (Public School).
“We do it every Wednesday morning but now we are looking to do it on Fridays as well, if we can get a couple more volunteers.
“We are all set up and have the interest to go to Fridays but it’s just the volunteers we need.”
The group run specially made dingys that make it easy and safe to get kids out of wheel-chairs and into the boats and out onto the water.
Paul said volunteers need general boating experience and a motor boat licence.
“We have about 15 regular volunteers at the moment but I reckon we will need another half a dozen,” he said.
Paul said the kids really get into it and the teachers even like to use the activity as part of their classroom activities and school work – doing units on the wind and weather after a morning’s sailing.
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should contact Paul Dron on 0439 748 567.
