The Artemis 20s compete in the RYA Sailability Multi Class Regatta at Rutland Sailing Club

Last weekend competitors from Scotland, Ireland and across the UK battled it out in the third annual RYA Sailability Multi Class Regatta held at Rutland Sailing Club. This year’s event welcomed seventy two boats and 94 disabled and able-bodied sailors competing across eight different classes, highlighting the popularity of this now well established sailing event.

One of the fastest growing classes on show was the Artemis 20, which saw eight competitors supplied with the attractive fast keel boats from The Artemis Even Keel Project UK.

The Even Keel Project is an exciting and ambitious initiative which aims to increase participation in sailing and encourage those it helps to develop their skill sets and look to start competitive sailing if they wish. The Artemis 20 was the project’s chosen boat because it shared a great synergy with the projects aims and can be sailed by able bodied and disabled sailors in exactly the same way.

Nick Stanton, the sponsorship coordinator for the project commented:

“These events are great for The Artemis Even Keel Project UK as we are looking to develop the competitive racing side to the project as well as promoting the idea that sailing is open to everyone regardless of physical or mental ability and background. It is great to see the passion of all the competitors and seeing first hand that whatever your physical ability you can successfully compete in this fantastic sport.”

The project welcomed some excellent sailors from Sailability to compete for them in the regatta and everyone did well in some blustery conditions. The teams comprised of Ian Shirra and Lucy Hodges, Chris Atkins and John Dickens, Toby Davey and Gary Butler, Allison Grant and Claire Tibbott. Lucy, being a member of the GBR VI Sailing squad showed her competitive nature and helmed herself and crew Ian to victory in both the fleet races and pursuit for the class.

The Even Keel Project has established its first base of operations this year in partnership with UKSA and Artemis investment Management in Cowes and is now operating “try sailing” sessions which are a free of charge sailing opportunities for anyone with disabilities or from disadvantaged backgrounds.

If you would like to try sailing with the project or know of anyone who you feel might benefit then please contact the team via the website: www.theevenkeel.com or email: info@theevenkeel.com