Torbay Disabled Sailing Association's new boat given a giant bubbly welcome

Three years of fund-raising has seen a new Torbay Disabled Sailing Association yacht docked in Torquay harbour.

The DSA celebrated the arrival of their new Free Spirit 2 with a naming ceremony followed by a reception at Below Decks on Torquay Town Dock marina. 

The yacht, a Bavaria C38, was built in Germany and shipped to a Solent boatyard a couple of months ago, where it underwent its final fitout, including the adaptations and other safety features which enables the DSA to offer “safe and affordable sailing for the disabled”. 

The yacht was funded by a number of major sponsors including National Lottery Community Fund who were the primary sponsor, with significant donations from the RYA Foundation, the Clothworkers Foundation in London, the Asda Foundation and more locally from the Claire Milne Trust in Cornwall, the Sports Foundation for the Disabled Newquay, the Whirlwind Charitable Trust Honiton and another large Devon based Trust. All of the sponsors were invited to the event, together with other local organisations and individuals who helped to raise the necessary funds to purchase the yacht. 

The naming ceremony was carried out first by chair Shirley Musgrove and husband and president husband David Musgrove, supported by the Civic Mayor Barbara Lewis and her escort Cllr Mark Spacagna.

A large six-foot bottle of champagne was “smashed” against the hull (it was only an inflatable) and the yacht's new name was unveiled from under the Union Flag on the bow. A loud cheer came from those watching from the promenade which must have been heard across the Bay.

The reception was attended by over 80 guests and DSA volunteer hosts. During the addresses, vice chair Steve Norman highlighted the network of over 40 organisations who support the DSA, including major sponsors, local businesses, disability groups and well-being organisations, including the Torbay NHS social prescriber team who regularly refer their patients for wellbeing experiences.

Mrs Musgrove thanked all of the sponsors and highlighted that it was also the DSA’s 20th anniversary, having founded the DSA with her husband David back in 2005. David made a point of thanking all of the volunteers for their support and presented awards to Clinton Currie, Tim Brooks and Terry Porter for their exceptional service.

Aly Ridyard was also recognised for being the DSA's first female Yacht Master qualified skipper. Jim Parker, chair of the Torbay Water Sports Forum, spoke of the vision of the Torbay Blue Economy and the role that the DSA play in realising a truly inclusive and vibrant water sport community. The Civic Mayor praised the DSA for the service they offer, wished them well for the future and proposed a toast to their new yacht. 

The most poignant moment of the reception was when two of the disabled members, one who travels from Essex to sail with the DSA, and the other an ex-Police Detective Inspector, spoke openly about what the association has meant to them on their journey to overcome their respective disabilities. 

Vice chair Steve said: "Since receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2023, the DSA membership has increased significantly, especially as a result of the media coverage. However, we are still a relatively well-kept secret in the Bay, especially from those that may need us most. We look forward to seeing more of you on the water soon."