Disabled Sailing Association
717. David Musgrove
David Musgrove, from Torbay, is the founder of ‘The Disabled Sailing Association’, giving disabled people the opportunity to experience sailing.
David’s 50-strong team of specially trained volunteer skippers and crew are expert at supporting disabled people to play a leading role on short cruises and longer coastal passages.
David, who is visually impaired, has worked tirelessly to raise awareness and funds for the charity and has built strong relationships with local yacht clubs and harbour masters.
The Association has two sailing boats specially equipped to deal with a variety of disabilities, with around 100 members taking part.
In a personal letter to David, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“Through the Disabled Sailing Association, you have helped hundreds of disabled people to experience the joy of sailing. Your passionate leadership has inspired the association’s volunteer skippers and crew to regularly give up their time to make this possible.”
David said:
“I feel humbled to have been nominated for this award. I accept it on behalf of the volunteers who make the Disabled Sailing Association possible, giving people with a disability the opportunity to enjoy the thrill and fun of sailing at sea, enjoying an activity that they once felt were excluded from.”