A Partnership Making a Splash on the Menai Strait

SEAS Sailability and All Afloat are joining forces, combining resources, expanding their programme and sharing the decision making with its disabled members.

Written by Marcus Politis  •  September 2025

Background

Based in Anglesey, the SEAS programme has been running successfully since 2017 and more recently became a registered charity in 2020, they operate out of the Conwy Centre in Llanfair PG, and operate within the guidelines of the recognised teaching centre and the RYA.

The Challenge

SEAS has become a large project and a business-like operation to ensure all the running costs are met, as well as training, day to day operations and their strategic direction. There are 59 volunteers and it’s one of the largest and most successful sailability clubs in the UK (in terms of participation).

The club wanted to make the sessions more person centred and more co-produced ensuring disabled people not only had a voice in the programme but were involved and given power at the planning stages.

The Approach

SEAS charity developed an ongoing relationship with All Afloat charity who are dedicated to enhancing the lives of young people through the power of boating, sailing and learning life skills.

SEAS also wanted to enhance their programme and ensuring their members have a key role in the clubs development. They introduced a BBQ and a chat at the end of every session, as well as social gatherings and their annual AGM, and by doing this, members could talk about what they liked, didn’t like, or wanted more of.

The Outcomes

The two charities were able to align their priorities and recourses for disabled and disadvantages young people.
They acquired more trustees, personnel and funding opportunities to operate the sessions, they also began working with wider stakeholders (with 5 North Wales LAs, Mencap Mon, Leonard Cheshire, and various local companies).

During the BBQ meetings the members came up with the idea for adventure day sessions not just evening sessions. Disabled people also decided on alternative and wet weather activities including climbing, forest trail events and zip lines.

SEAS All Afloat have held 219 training sessions from Power Boat Operations, 1st Aid, Safety Boards, Equipment Operations, Dockside Safety and Emergency Procedures. Several disabled members have progressed to volunteer and assist the activity leaders in their operations.

The SEAS All Afloat Chairman, Richard Horovitz said:

“We are still developing and are always open to new participants and volunteers, as a person centred and welcoming charity, our aim is to make a real difference to the lives of disabled people and their families”.

DSW's Regional Partnership Senior Officer for North Wales said:

“This example of co-production is refreshing as it moves away from traditional consultations. It empowered disabled people through mutual decision making, gaining trust, investing in their relationship and by doing so, handing over power for disabled people to become the change makers”.

For further information about this case study contact:

To become a member or volunteer for Seas All Afloat contact: seassailability@yahoo.com