Racing for the disabled
Read features and stories about ACF Sailing and the people who make it float
Breaking barriers of participation In 2024–25, the Andrew Cassell Foundation reached an exciting milestone, as a result of rapid growth both in the number of participants and the range of disabilities our sailors compete with we entered four boats for the first time. Cowes Week results remain encouraging with a second place across the class … Read more
Wendy lives with Cerebral Palsy and a learning disability, has been sailing in one way or anywhere for eight years. She started out with Cowes Sailability who did a great job introducing her to the basics, but this year she raced with the Andrew Cassell Foundation, at Cowes Week. When she started sailing she wasn’t … Read more
Jock found the Foundation after a series of health challenges including cancer and foundation. After meeting a Foundation participant at a prosthetics appointment he joined and is sailing to success.
MOB recovery from the water to keelboats is difficult. The Foundation with John Barnes, an expert in rescue, have produced the FastNet sling recovery system. Purchase here, save a life.
In 2024, Our sailing year ended with three boats competing in the 14 strong Sonar class at Cowes Week. The commitment of shore crew and sailors brought another podium placement.
Louise, a volunteer helps get the happy if sometimes dysfunctional family of disabled sailors on the water. Joining without sailing experience she rapidly became a valued supporter and crew.
The Foudation mentors our participants carefully – in addition to all our on water activity . It’s part of the secret sauce which leads our sailors bright futures on the water.
Laurence sailed competitively as a child and teenager, before loosing his leg. He returned to racing after his physio introduced him to the Foundation.
With the Foundation’s support Bex who is Autistic and has other disabilities has moved from supported sailing activity to becoming a competent and valued keelboat sailor at the Foundation.
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
Andrew Cassell Foundation (Racing for the Disabled) is a Charity in England and Wales: 1057742
Supports people with disabilities (mainly physical & sensory) to take part in yacht racing and cruising and to encourage the integration of sailors with disabilities with able bodied sailors