DUBAI // Three years ago, despite being apprehensive, Georgina Corley attended her first Sailability lesson.
Today, the 17-year-old has learnt enough skills to sail solo and she said she loves the sport and the freedom it gives her.
“It was sometimes a little scary if windy, but the teachers were very kind and I sail by myself now,” said the British Dubai resident. “Sailing makes me feel grown up and I love it.”
Most sessions take the Sailability team and students from Dubai Marina, with views of The World Islands, the Burj Khalifa, Atlantis The Palm and the Burj Al Arab.
Luca Trudgeon, a 13-year-old living in Dubai, began Sailability in 2013.
“It wasn’t difficult because I was already sailing by myself but I became more proficient as I got one-to-one help from the volunteers,” he said. “Sailing teaches you independence and to make decisions for yourself.
“If you sail in a group, you learn to work as a team.”
Luca’s parents, Patricia and Brett Trudgeon, said that, while their son has dyslexia, he has excelled at sports and has no difficulty concentrating or becoming engaged when it comes to sailing.
Sailability has had a great effect on her teenage son’s life, Mrs Trudgeon said.
“It has raised his self-esteem tremendously as he could demonstrate he was as able as any person to become a competent sailor.”
James Casaki, 28, tried out the programme nine years ago.
The Briton has Kabuki syndrome, a paediatric congenital disorder with multiple congenital anomalies and intellectual disabilities.
His mother, Karen, said the programme was a “fantastic opportunity” for her son.
“Please try it,” she said, when asked if they would recommend the programme. “It builds confidence and they realise they can do something the same as everyone else.”
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