Racing for the disabled
Read features and stories about ACF Sailing and the people who make it float
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
Reflecting on personal transformation with Bex Bex identified mentoring as possibly the most important thing the Andrew Cassell Foundation (ACF) does – perhaps of equal, or perhaps sometimes greater importance than the on water activity. They noted that it wasn’t only a vertical relationship between say coach and participants but that in some aspects other … 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
Supporters of the Andrew Cassell Foundation inspired by the late John Garlick raised over £4,400 over the weekend at an Art Show featuring nine of the Island’s artists. Held at the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club, paintings were available for auction and general sale.
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.
Andrew Cassell Foundation are raring to go as public health restrictions lift to permit organised sport. Thursday was the first day of suitable wind and crew availability to we had to get the Sonar Spare Part out on the Solent for a shakedown. For this shakedown Spare Part was crewed by two participants – one … Read more
Andy Cassell established the Andrew Cassell Foundation when he returned from the Atlanta Paralympics in 1996, having won a Gold Medal for sailing. He had spent a lifetime competing in able-bodied fleets before leading the first GB Paralympic sailing team and he was determined to give something back to a sport that he loved The … 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