Supportive sailing trips for people living with dementia
“The trip was amazing thank you! I felt a bit stressed before and was in complete bliss when I got back – I think that says it all!! Something about the quiet of being at sea that is very mindful…. and the guys on board were really friendly and easy going – I would like to confirm that we will book another dementia sail”
For our dementia sails we worked with Dementia Adventure, the UK champion for outdoor activity holidays for people living with dementia, to help us set up this project and train our staff and volunteers to meet the needs of people living with dementia.
Thanks to Sussex Community Foundation and Dementia Action Alliance Brighton & Hove we were able to offer subsidised places for people living with dementia and a family member, carer or friend to join us on one or three day sailing trips. We are currently looking for resources to continue these subsidies. Participants will need to be moderately mobile. You can also book on any of our scheduled sailing activities – as long as there is a group of four of you we will provide a “dementia friendly” skipper and first mate. All sails are ideal for beginners as well as anyone with previous experience of sailing.
One day sailing trips in Chichester Harbour – £110 for two people
Dates by arrangement
We can show you round the basics of sailing or you can just enjoy the sail and the sights. In Chichester harbour there are often lots of other boats out which can be quite a sight, and plenty of birdlife and beautiful views in this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The harbour is in sheltered water with several lovely spots to anchor for lunch.
T
hree day sailing trips in the Solent – £330 for two people
Dates by arrangement 0930 start, 1700 end
Our three day sail has many possible destinations, anchorages, pubs and sights. Experience one of the busiest sailing grounds in the UK – the Solent. This is the name given to the stretch of water between the mainland and the Isle of Wight. We’ll be sleeping onboard and can overnight in one of the many marinas in the area (in Cowes, Portsmouth, Yarmouth, Lymington) or anchorages like the Beaulieu River and Newtown Creek, both full of bird life and away from it all.
Each session is led by a commercially endorsed Skipper assisted by a volunteer First Mate, both of whom have attended training about dementia delivered by Dementia Adventure. Our rates are all inclusive, covering all food onboard, hire of sailing waterproofs and visitor mooring costs.
What we will do for you
- Work with you whilst booking to make sure we can tailor our services for your needs.
- Staff our sailing trips with a commercial skipper and experienced volunteers who have been trained to work with people living with dementia.
- Provide lifejackets, wet weather clothing and deck boots as well as snacks and tasty meals on board.
- Meet you at the marina to take you to the boat, where we will provide a full safety briefing.
What we ask you to do
- Bring appropriate warm clothing and medication as well as toiletries, towel, sleeping bag, bedsheet and pillow for overnight sails.
- Bring a carer to help with your personal needs and be your shipmate.
- Transport yourself to either Chichester harbour or Southampton water.
Download our Suitability Form here to help us assess the best activity for you and what we need to consider to best support you.
Click here to read Dementia Adventure’s guide to financial assistance which looks at additional ways of getting some assistance to help make your dementia adventure happen.
Cancellations – please click here to read our terms and conditions for details of our cancellation policy. We strongly recommend that cancellation insurance is taken out at the time of booking.
What previous participants have said
“This trip is the best thing that’s happened to me for ages.”
“I discovered things about myself that I never knew. I never thought I would have an opportunity like this and I now see how I can use this trip as part of my recovery programme.”
“We all had to work together as a team, look out for each other, it was amazing! I want to help out with maintenance.”
We are grateful to Dementia Action Alliance Brighton and Hove, as well as Sussex Community Foundation, for supporting our dementia sails
