DSA’s current and previous boats | disabledsailingassociation.org.uk

The Disabled Sailing Association has two boats in active service, both berthed in Torquay harbour just at the end of the entrance ramp to the Town Dock.

'Freedom' - New 2018

Our other yacht, DSA ‘Freedom’, is an ‘A’ class Beneteau ‘Oceanis’ 38.1.

Notably bigger than her predecessor (the original Freedom), she offers increased cockpit space, providing room for up to five guests and three crew She is also significantly more spacious below decks. She has extra grab rails around the cockpit and in the cabin and special fittings on the deck for wheelchair clamps.

Freedom was purchased in 2018 and was named at a commissioning ceremony on 10 October 2018 by the BBC ‘Spotlight’ presenter Victoria Graham. She has been in service since that date and has been a joy to sail.

Our Previous DSA vessels:

'Free Spirit' - New April 2015

Free Spirit' has recently been retired from service after nearly ten years of excellent service. Her replacement is on order and is hoped to be in service ready for the summer season.

Her history

'Free Spirit' was purchased following two years of fund-raising by our members, with an added boost from ITV Big Lottery People's Millions. She was a brand new 'A' class Hanse 345 capable of crossing the Atlantic.

She was adapted for disabled use by the addition of a ramp at the stern that allows less mobile people and wheelchairs to get on the boat easily. She also has twin steering wheels so that a disabled guest can steer under the supervision of a volunteer crew member. Again she also has extra grab rails in the cabin and fittings on the deck for wheelchair clamps. Her sailing rig was set up to simplify maneuvering with a self-tacking jib and lines brought back to the cockpit.

'Free Spirit' was named on 11 July 2015, her name chosen by our members to express how they feel when sailing with us.

The original 'Freedom'

Our first 'Freedom' was a brand new 'A' class Hanse 350 bought by the DSA in April 2008. We were able to purchase her after winning £96,000 of funding from ITV's 'Big Lottery People's Millions Competition', fortunately the public voted for us and we won!

A lot of research went in to choosing the right boat that could be adapted for disabled people, including a visit to the London boat show.

When she arrived in Southampton, disabled members visited her to decide on the extra adaptations she needed. Handrails were fitted (these are now added as standard to Hanse boats) and a contrast colour scheme for interior design was chosen for our visually impaired members.

Wheelchair clamp rails were fitted in the cockpit and a removable seat constructed at the stern for ease of access from the dock.

Her name 'Freedom' was unanimously chosen by our members, she was named on 2 October 2008 by HRH Princess Anne.

The earliest DSA vessels

Two of our starter vessels included 'Sainte Foy', a 26ft Westerly Centaur (below left) and 'Moonshine', a 20ft Hurley (right).

Both are now sold, but both will always be remembered.