The sailing club at Wimbleball Lake on Exmoor is reaching out to people with disabilities in the Wellington area.

Members are holding an open day next week to explore the ways disabled people can get afloat.

David Mather, volunteer for Wimbleball Sailability, said: “Sailing stimulates us all, physically and mentally, and Sailabilty opens that up to individuals who may not have dreamed of going on the water.

“As a volunteer, it’s a joy to see the excitement and sheer pleasure people get from going out on the lake.

“And for many the weekly visit to Wimbleball is the highlight of their week.”

Sailing club members have offered those with disabilities the chance to go afloat for many years, and residents of care homes in Wellington and further afield have enjoyed the experience.

Now the club is extending the opportunity to other disabled people and offering the chance to go out in large, safe sailing dinghies every Wednesday and Friday between May and September.

Wheelchair users can also be catered for in easy access powerboats and a safety boat is always on standby.

The club added: “Those with sailing experience may be able to sail on their own or with an experienced ‘buddy’ to help improve their skills in smaller, stable, especially adapted sailing dinghies.

“Keen sailors can also benefit from our ability to offer the RYA Sailability Certificate of Achievement.”

Facilities at the sailing club include large adjacent car park, seating inside and out with quiet areas, fully equipped kitchen for food preparation, specialised toilet and shower with full wheelchair access, hoist to help sailors on and off boards, powered wheelchairs to help those with restricted mobility and life jackets.

The open day is on Saturday, May 11, from 11am-4pm and the club’s post code at Wimbleball Lake is TA22 9NU. For more information contact Bob Smith on 01823 433129 or Mike Green on 01643 709240.

Sailability is a registered charity whose objective is to promote sailing and sail training in the disabled community.