Disabled sailors set to compete for Duke of Devonshire Trophy

2 June 2008

Some 20 boats are set to compete at this year’s Duke of Devonshire Trophy Regatta, hosted by Carsington Sailability.

The annual event will see disabled sailors go head to head on the water in Access Dinghies, a class of boat which is designed not to capsize and is therefore now used by sailors with disabilities all over the world.

This year’s Regatta will take place on Wednesday, June 4, at Carsington Water, with boats taking part from all over the country including London and Oxford.

The event now ranks as one of the UK's premier Access Traveller Series regattas which count towards the National Championships.

Derek Lee from Carsington Sailability said: “The Duke of Devonshire Trophy Regatta is always a hugely popular event and we look forward to welcoming sailors from around the country to Carsington Water for what I’m sure will be a closely-fought race.”

The long-running event began when a trophy for disabled sailors was awarded by the 11th Duke of Devonshire, who was keen to see disabled people taking part on all kinds of activities.

This was originally for the International 2.4mR Paralympics class of sailing boat but due to the Access dinghies becoming more popular and easier to purchase, the event was turned over to that class.

Carsington Sailability was founded in 2000 and is an offshoot of Derbyshire Sailing Endeavour which was formed in 1992/3 to enable people with disabilities to sail. It is based at Carsington Sailing Club. For more details visit www.sailingendeavour.com (opens in a new window) (opens in a new window)

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