A SAILING Club member has been presented with an award for his work in helping people with disabilities experience sailing.

John Tate, a member of Scaling Dam Sailing Club, was chosen from finalists across the UK who had been nominated for their time and expertise in enabling people with disabilities to master the art of sailing.

The contest was organised by the Royal Yachting Association’s (RYA) Sailability initiative, an international organisation which supports people of all ages to learn sailing and encourages the participation of disabled sailors.

Mr Tate, from Hutton Rudby, near Stokesley, North Yorkshire, was presented with the award by members of Scaling Dam’s Sailability scheme, based at the reservoir on the A171 in North Yorkshire between Guisborough and Whitby.

Scaling Dam has four purpose-built boats designed for disabled sailors, two Hansa Dinghies and two Challenger Trimarans. Its recently refurbished club house has also been fitted with disabled facilities, including hoists to allow wheelchair-users access the boats.

A spokeswoman for the sailing club said: “Some of John’s students have progressed to racing in national championships for the disabled, bringing home a trophy.

“A sight-impaired junior member has advanced to the RYA zones quad training, whilst others have become family or individual members and sail or just enjoy the beautiful surroundings most weekends.

"John is often seen racing with a disabled person at the helm instead of racing in his own dinghy.”

Scaling Dam Sailing Club will be hosting an open day on Sunday, April 27, from 10am. For more information visit; www.scalingdam.org