The project Boundless sailing is entering its second round. Its initiators want to get people with and without disabilities out on the water together. To this end, they have put a barrier-free boat, the "A.Noah", on the Harkortsee, a reservoir on the Ruhr near Hagen. This offer, which runs until 30 June, was already taken up by over 300 interested people last year on the Aasee in Münster.
Going sailing together is a unique experience that actively brings inclusion to life, says Dirk Loose from the Evangelische Jugend Dortmund, which launched the project last year. "On the boat, the disability is quickly forgotten. It's more about the common goal, about staying on course." Under the guidance of trained sailing instructors, the main aim is for people with and without disabilities to have a great time together. The free programme is primarily aimed at community groups, schools and disability support facilities.
The "A.Noah" is based on the Phönixsee in Dortmund. The boat, which is over seven metres long and two and a half metres wide, was custom-built by ship designer Matthias Müller. The hull is made of aluminium, weighs two tonnes and therefore sails particularly upright. All lines and winches as well as the steering wheel can be operated from a wheelchair. A mobile ramp at the stern allows fellow sailors to get on board safely.
The new construction of the "A.Noah" was financed with funds from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, among others. It is the second barrier-free boat from the Sail Together association, which brings together sailing enthusiasts from the Protestant youth movement. The aim is to give young people from the region the chance to experience a day of sailing, regardless of their social background or physical impairment. A maximum of eight people, including three wheelchair users, can be accommodated on the "A.Noah".
In order to reach as many people as possible, those responsible for the Grenzenlos Segeln project are taking the boat to various lakes in North Rhine-Westphalia. A barrier-free jetty has been specially built on Lake Harkort in Hagen.
Dirk Loose says that the extent to which wheelchair users are actually involved in the boat's operations depends heavily on their disability. "For people who can actively participate, the boat offers every opportunity to lend a hand." Operating or steering the sheets is then no problem. In order to enable people with spasticity to steer the boat, a joystick is currently being considered, which could replace the steering wheel in case of doubt.
Information on other sailing projects for people with disabilities can be found in the YACHT Forum.
The Protestant Youth of Westphalia offers wheelchair users the opportunity to get a taste of sailing on an accessible sailing boat
