Wealden Sailability, as a ‘volunteer organisation’, is supported by a dedicated team of enthusiastic volunteers. We couldn’t share the magic of sailing with as many people as we do, without the help of our amazing volunteers.  We love welcoming new volunteers and it’s great to share a diverse range of skills and experience. We have many different ways in which people can volunteer their time; anyone with a passion for sailing, water sports or disability issues will feel at home.  

If you’re interested in volunteering, please complete the online application form.

Why do volunteers join us? 

• Newly retired and would like to contribute to a community. 
• Have a disabled relative or friend and wish to join a community that offers opportunities for disabled people. 
• Newly retired and sailed when young. Would like to renew and improve sailing skills. 
• Never sailed but would like to learn and give something to a deserving community. 

Am I obligated to attend? 

No. Each week, an email will be sent to you asking what time/days you are able to attend the following week. It is entirely your decision as to how much time you attend. We appreciate any time you can give. 

Keep an eye on ‘message’ on the home page of the website confirming whether sailing for the day will go ahead or be cancelled owing to the weather. A decision is taken by 8.15 on the day of operation. 

Do I need Sailing Experience? 

No, you do not need experience as we will give you training. 

What jobs are needed on a typical day?                

 

• Skippering a boat 
• Crewing 
• Assisting with fitting buoyancy aids 
• Registration of clients 
• Helping with tea, coffee and cake 
• Launching and rigging boats 
• De-rigging boats and bringing them back in 
• Safety skipper and crew 
• Assisting on pontoons – getting people on and off boats, boats leaving and coming onto pontoons. 
• Training 

Debarring Service (DBS) Certificate 

As all volunteers will be supervising or mixing with vulnerable children and adults, we require that you obtain an ‘Enhanced DBS’. If you have a current Enhanced DBS certificate, we need to see the certificate to take note of the number and date of issue. 

An Enhanced DBS covers vulnerable children and adults. It’s a simple process and free for volunteers.  

Is Food Provided? 

• Coffee/tea, biscuits and cake are available. 
• You’ll need to bring lunch.  

What clothes, kit do I need?                                       

 

• Warm clothes as it’s always colder on the water than on shore. 

• Suntan cream – factor 50 

• Sunglasses 

• Hat 

• Toe capped shoes or sandals, waterproof footwear or sailing boots 

• Buoyancy aid. If you do not have one, you can borrow one from WS.  

• Make sure you tie on glasses and cap/hat. Keep mobiles, wallets and keys in your car or a locker provided in the changing rooms.  

WS Merchandise   

We encourage all volunteers to purchase a pink WS branded polo shirt which are embroidered with the WS logo to assist clients in readily identifying volunteers. Additionally, we have a navy blue fleece and cap with the WS logo. For more information, please see the ‘merchandise’ page. 

A Day at Wealden Sailability:   

WS operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays, weather permitting, from April to the end of October. A typical day: 

• Before 8.00 the Session Manager (the boss for the day) assesses the weather conditions and decides if there will be sailing. He/she inserts a message onto the website home page  before 8.15 to say if there will or won’t be sailing on the day. 

• 8.30   Volunteers arrive to rig and launch the boats for the day.  

• 9.45   There’s a briefing for the day for all volunteers.  It covers the weather conditions for the day, safety matters and client sailors attending. 

• 10.00  Client sailors start arriving. They register their attendance at the entrance to the Clubhouse. 

• 12.15  Lunch. Please bring a packed lunch  

• 1.00 Back to sailing 

• 2.45 – 3.00 Boats come off the water to be derigged and put away 

• 3.30/4.00  Hopefully head for home. The precise timing depends on the weather and number of boats used during the day. 

Confidentiality   

Any information or contact details you supply will only be used for any requirement of WS’s administration. Your details will not be used for marketing or any other purpose.