In the bustling seaside town of Cowes, where sailing is as intrinsic to the culture as the salty sea air, a vibrant disability sailing community thrives at the Andrew Cassell Foundation. Among the volunteers helping get the happy if sometimes dysfunctional family of disabled sailors, supporters and volunteers on the water is Louise. She is … Read more

In February 2024, Laurence made a significant life change, moving to the Isle of Wight with their partner and beautiful pup. Reflecting on this transition, he shares, “We’ve really, really enjoyed moving to the Island. The dog loves the garden and it’s great to be back by the water.” Early Years and Sailing Beginning From … Read more

Bex’s Autism and other disabilities means they approach sailing in a particular way and has limited them to supported activity, but with the Foundation’s help they are developing into an increasingly competent keelboat sailor capable of sailing in open regattas with and against a mixture of able bodied and disabled sailors. With support of the … Read more

Jazz is a 25 year old wheelchair user who, as a little girl, set her sights on becoming a ballet dancer until a cruel turn of fate rendered her almost unable to walk. Were it not for a simple gesture by a friend, this determined young woman may never have had the chance to shine … Read more

As a young naval cadet with a passion for sailing, Ian Wyllie’s life was heading for a career at sea. Like many of us with a clear vision of where we want to end up, the thought of a spanner being thrown into the works never occurs. In Ian’s case his spanner came in the … Read more

Eddie has sailed with the Andrew Cassell Foundation for 3 years., He is an increasingly serious sailor, is completely blind and has a major hearing impairment. Somehow he manages to fit in full time work.

Steven began to learn to sail at 8 years old in a topper with the Sea Scouts. From this first experience his passion for sailing developed but the journey to becoming an inspiring sailor and race coach began after he lost his legs in 2010.

Through my school years I struggled with bullying and being reminded that I wasn’t normal,Sailing for me was my escape it was a way for me to be just like everybody else I could leave my disability on the shore.