New Boat Launch

On the 16th March at Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club, we were invited by Link 4 Life to attend the launch of a new sailing boat which has been donated to them by Rochdale East Rotary Club. The High Sheriff of Greater Manchester launched the dinghy and was accompanied by The Mayor & Mayoress of Rochdale along with members of the Rotary Club.

The boat is a two person, specifically adapted Hansa 303 Dinghy. Next Steppers had the honour of being the first to use the new boat and were accompanied by their own support workers to take the boat out independently whilst a safety boat was close by giving instructions as they sailed.

It was a cold day, but ideal wind conditions for our first time sailors. It was a little unnerving at first but as confidence built up so did the speed! The plan is to gain more confidence and experience throughout the summer period with more sessions being run by Link 4 Life who continue to offer us excellent outdoor activity opportunities.

In addition to the new dinghy, the group used a larger sailing boat which has the advantage of enabling wheelchair users to be hoisted onboard. Everyone had a great day and we are very grateful for the chance to be part of the new launch. Thank you to everyone involved and we look forward to more sessions which are timetabled throughout the upcoming months.

Watch a short video of the launch made by Hartshead Productions Ltd

The photos below are a combination of our own and Hartshead Productions Ltd who were documenting the event. Their images will be published in The Rochdale Observer and Rochdale On-line.