PHUKET, Thailand – Disabled Sailing Thailand have added two
new boats to its fleet in Phuket, with the launch of S\V Arnaud 1 and
S\V Arnaud 2. The two 14-foot S\V14 sailing dinghies are designed to be
sailed by people with disabilities and will support Disabled Sailing
Thailand's goal to make sailing a sport easily accessible for all.
The two S\V14's are named after long-time Phuket expat and philanthropist,
Arnaud C. Verstraete, who kindly donated them to Disabled Sailing
Thailand and was present to celebrate their launching at Royal Phuket
Marina recently.
“I've been following Disabled Sailing Thailand
with interest for some time. What they are doing, providing
opportunities to people with disabilities that never before existed, is a great thing and something I am proud to support. It's not only about
sailing though, it's about building people's self-confidence and giving
people with disabilities the feeling of freedom and enjoyment,” said
Arnaud C. Verstraete.
Disabled Sailing Thailand was established
in 2015 with the aim to provide people with disabilities the opportunity to experience sailing in a safe environment, empowering them and giving them the freedom and mobility on-the-water that is often lacking in
their lives onshore.
The availability of these boats in Phuket is part of an ongoing effort to make the island a more accessible
destination for people with disabilities. They will appeal to
international travellers with disabilities who are looking for safe and
accessible activities to enjoy while traveling, as well as to
professional Para Sailors from around the world who can now come and
train in Phuket.
“The kind donation of these two brand-new S\V14s by Arnaud will make such a difference to sailing in Phuket. Currently,
there are very few boats in Thailand that are suitable for para sailors
and the S\V14 is a perfect sailing dinghy for novice or professional.
These two new boats means our fleet in Phuket now totals four and we
will be able to offer more fun sailing opportunities for people with
disabilities on the island,” said Disabled Sailing Thailand's Founder,
Peter Jacops.
