Royal seal for Torbay Disabled Sailing Association

Torbay’s Disabled Sailing Association has been given the royal seal of approval.

The association has been awarded the Kings Award for Voluntary Service - the highest honour a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE. 

The award was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, the King emphasised his desire with the prestigious recognition.

It aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. 

Recipients are announced annually on November 14 - the King’s Birthday.#

The association said: “We are therefore privileged to be one of the first organisations to receive this prestigious award given by our new Monarch which will both encourage and inspire our volunteers to continue to strive to support the wellbeing of our disabled communities.”

The DSA is supported by more than 70 active volunteers who fulfil critical roles including boat crews, maintenance, IT and administrative support, fundraising, finance, safeguarding, health and safety and market communications. 

It says: “We celebrate this award on behalf of all our volunteers.”

The DSA was established as a charity in 2005.Its purpose is to provide safe and affordable sailing opportunities to disabled adults and children, their families and carers.  

Since then, the organisation has grown to over 400 members with the widest range of disabilities and from socially disadvantaged communities, from the local area and beyond. 

It’s run entirely by volunteers and supported through charitable donations and sponsorship. 

The DSA is based in Torquay, South Devon and affiliated to the Royal Yachting Association Sailability Group.

The association says: “Our yachts, which sail most days of the year weather permitting, are named DSA Freedom and DSA Free Spirit by our members because of that feeling of elation when sailing, which brings so much relief and healing into their lives. It also promotes a healthy and active lifestyle.”

The DSA is an RYA Recognised Training Centre which offers all members the opportunity to gain valuable skills and knowledge to enhance their personal sailing experiences. 

The RTC is also run entirely by volunteers, headed by a principal, and has a team of qualified cruising instructors who deliver both shored based and practical courses. 

The association says: “New members are always welcome aboard.”

Shirley Musgrove, joint founder of the DSA and current chair, said: “As Chair I am proud to lead this organisation and would like to say a personal thank you to all our volunteers. This award is a reflection on your hard work over many years.”

Ray Harris, one of the longest serving skippers and trainers, added: ““I’ve been volunteering with the DSA for over 10 years and get a huge amount of satisfaction from helping  people. I have seen our members grow in confidence and gain additional skills, but most importantly I’ve seen lives enhanced by sharing beautiful scenery and wildlife, whilst building friendships and memories under our sails.” 

Linda Hitchcox, skipper who recently took a group to the Channel Islands, said: ““I’m so incredibly lucky to be part of this organisation and to share this uplifting activity with our disabled members.  It gives me such a warm feeling, particularly during and at the end of the sail when the members don’t have to say anything because their smiles say it all. What a prestigious and heartwarming award. I feel so very proud to be involved with such a fantastic group of people. Thank you.” 

Andy Baker, the DSA’s longest serving skipper, said: ““I have been a volunteer skipper with the DSA for 16 years and I have witnessed the DSA go from strength to strength during this time. Receiving an award of this calibre will encourage more disabled people to join our group as it shows that as a voluntary organisation, we provide a safe and well-run service. To be awarded this recognition means so much to me.” 

And Steve Norman, skipper and marketing officer, added: “In addition to my role as skipper, my other role is to promote the DSA across the Bay and beyond, as we are still a relatively well-kept secret, especially from those who might need us most!. It is therefore my privilege to regularly meet up with a wide range of disability groups and other relevant supporting organisations, to promote the potential health and well-being benefits the DSA can offer. This award will make a huge difference to our communications, with the opportunity of reaching more disabled communities, both locally and nationally.”