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CLADS (Chew Lake Association of Disabled Sailors) has been in existence since 1991 and was started by two very enthusiastic sailors from the main sailing club at Chew Lake, Bristol.

Initially an old boat (a Challenger class Trimaran) was donated to us by the Royal Yachting Association (Sailability) which was a welcome start and over time the club has gone from strength to strength with members, helpers, boats and facilities all growing.

Our main boats, the Challengers, are very stable and fast boats and can carry someone with a disability and a helper if need be.
The boats are relatively easy to get in and out of and we have made this procedure as easy as is practically possible. The Windrider is a much larger boat which is able to carry up to five people, so it is very sociable, but can still offer a thrilling sail. Again we have done our best to make this as accessible to all as is possible. The Wayfarer is a far more conventional boat and can be more challenging to some sailors but offers plenty of thrills and often the opportunity of capsizing!

We generally sail these boats 3 weekends out of every 4 from mid April until mid October. (click to see dates)

We are able to offer a lift up to the main clubhouse, an adapted toilet and specially built changing rooms which are all wheelchair accessible.

Helpers

The club could not survive without the efforts of our dedicated team of helpers who will be on hand to help wherever possible. We are continually looking for new helpers, both sailiors and land lovers. if you have some time to spare we would love to hear from you.

We operate a rota of helpers, so whether you have just a couple of weekends a year spare or more your help will be appreciated to keep us afloat.

We do not pretend to be able to cope with every kind of disability but will always do our best to help as many people as possible enjoy the challenge and exhilarating feeling of sailing.

If you are unsure whether we can help you or whether the level of support would be enough to meet your needs please contact us info@clads.co.uk

This club is a registered charity and we do rely solely on donations to survive.

We have been very fortunate in the past and have had the support of many, including local companies, Bristol Water and the main Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club.

We do ask club members to make a small donation each year which helps towards running costs but nevertheless we are continually needing to fund raise and this is one of the many roles performed by the club's committee.

Our members have a wide range of disabilities including Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Cerebral Palsy, Amputees and general disabilities caused through accidents.

The club does have a policy to make sailing available to as many people as possible but due to limited resources and availability of help we cannot guarantee to meet the needs of all.

We are a very sociable bunch and usually hold several pub visits throughout the year and have an annual barbecue and Christmas event. CLADS are always looking to introduce new members so if you have a disability and would like to come along please do so. You will be given a warm welcome and can try the facilities for the day, who knows you could become addicted to sailing as we all are!

For further information please contact Kath Allsop on 07811808779 or James Woods on 07795 833383.