Disabled complete sailing trip

The Lord Rank operates out of Carrickfergus marina

A group of disabled people in Northern Ireland have taken to the high seas as part of a new project which enables them to experience the thrills of sailing.

The voyagers set sail from Carrickfergus Marina on the 21 metre vessel, the Lord Rank, on Friday and returned on Sunday.

They had the opportunity to learn sailing techniques and undertake chores below deck.

Disability Sports NI have teamed up with an educational charity, the Ocean Youth Trust, to organise a series of Sailing Weekends for people with disabilities.

Ashley Hunter of the Ocean Youth Trust said he was thrilled to welcome some novices to the excitement of sailing.

Within days of advertising these events, the programmes were fully booked Aubrey Bingham Disability Sports NI

"Experience has shown that both disabled and able-bodied trainee sailors are no different to teach," he said.

"Both make the same errors when training, learn at a similar rate, experience the same enjoyment in learning to sail and most significantly are equal in the water".

Aubrey Bingham of Disability Sports NI said a new sporting experience had been opened up to disabled people.

"Within days of advertising these events, the programmes were fully booked which shows once again the need for mainstream sports clubs to provide more opportunities for disabled people.

"Hopefully other sports clubs will follow the tremendous example of the Ocean Youth Trust".

The Ocean Youth Trust operates the Lord Rank which takes a maximum of 12 people on voyages with up to six sea staff in attendance.

Disability Sports NI is Northern Ireland's disability sports organisation representing the vast majority of disabled sports people.

The organisation works to improve equality of opportunity for people with disabilities to take part in sport, recreation and physical activity at a level of their choice.

The body has 15 member clubs and last year ran sports and recreation projects involving 6,000 disabled children and adults.