Sailing provides the ultimate sense of freedom – never more so than for sailors with physical disabilities. Artemis Investment Management is backing a new project to enable more people to get out on the water.
Sailing is unique among outdoor sports in that physically disabled sailors can enjoy and compete in the sport on a level playing field with able-bodied crews. And that’s the premise behind a new grassroots sailing initiative designed to offer disabled and disadvantaged people the opportunity to experience the joys of sailing.
Formed in 2008 by Dave Rutter of Vizual Marine, the Even Keel Project is a worldwide scheme being developed at sailing clubs around the globe. At its heart is the adaptable Artemis 20 keelboats, the same design used by record-breaking quadriplegic sailor Hilary Lister in her long-distance voyages (see here). The Even Keels cheme aims to supply six performance keelboats to each venue, enabling the sailing club to offer sailing opportunities to those who might otherwise never get the chance.
The Simon Rogers-designed Artemis 20 was created and built to be accessible to all and can be sailed in a number of different formats, catering for almost any type of disability with just the smallest of adjustments to the controls. Otherwise the boat fundamentally remains unchanged, meaning that both disabled and able-bodied sailors are able to compete on a truly level playing field. Besides being practical and functional these elegant boats are also very desirable, ensuring they appeal to sailors of all levels and abilities.
The first venue is the UK Even Keel Site, sponsored by Artemis, which is now up and running at the world-renowned UK Sailing Academy (UKSA) in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight. With six Artemis 20s available, the Artemis Even Keel Site UK is designed to introduce sailing to disabled sailors and a wider audience of young, disadvantaged people throughout Britain. The not-for-profit project aims to promote disabled sailing and inspire individuals through the sport, with sailing opportunities offered at no cost over the 2009 season from the UKSA’s fantastic base, which provides top-class facilities and accommodation suitable for disabled and able-bodied sailors.
In June 2009 the Even Keel Project went to Galway, Ireland during the busy stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race. With a prime spot in the race village a number of disabled people were able to enjoy the chance of getting out on the water in an Artemis 20 – some individuals sailing for the very first time. Some of the Volvo Ocean Race crews also lent their support to the project, with Ian Walker, skipper of Irish team Green Dragon taking to the water with Gary Allen, a Galway local with a spinal disability. Despite light breezes, Walker concluded that the experience was ‘great fun’, saying: ‘The Artemis 20 are very responsive little boats, and it’s great to remember what sailing is really all about, which is getting on the water and having a bit of fun!”
Gary Allen added: “This project is absolutely phenomenal. You are the same as everybody else when you’re sailing, you can just do your own thing. Once I’ve manoeuvred myself into the boat – which is sometimes something of a challenge! – it’s easy from then on, once you’re in the boat your disability just doesn’t matter.”
The Even Keel Project is currently in discussions about forming partnerships with many more sailing clubs and other suitable host sites around the world, including Australia, Spain and the United States. The aim is to create numerous centres of excellence worldwide, all offering competitive sailing for the disabled and disadvantaged on Artemis 20s.
Find out more at www.theevenkeel.com
