About NOL Sailability

Sailability had initially started in Australia and US as a program for disabled people of all ages to learn sailing, with a larger aim of creating a global community of disabled sailors who would represent their countries in the sport. Singapore was one of the pioneer adoptees of the Sailability programme.

In January 2001, NOL chose Sailability Singapore as its corporate volunteerism programme. NOL being the main corporate sponsor for the Sailability, had helped raised over $120,000 for the purchase of boats, equipment, gear and other accessories. From what began as a humble sailing experience for our sailors, we've grown strength to strength, leveraging on the talent and skills of our sailors to form a vision of disabled sailing excellence.

In doing so, NOL endorsed Sailability Singapore as a sailing programme that enabled the disabled to triumph over their disabilities and live a fuller and more independent life. It also gives the disabled an opportunity to participate and excel in sailing.

Since its inception, a group of dedicated volunteers from the public as well as NOL have been actively helping these spectacular sailors discover the joy of sailing. It is truly remarkable to see that though the disabled sailors were disadvantaged in certain aspects, in no way were they letting their disabilities slow them down. By learning to sail, they have shown us how they triumphed over adversity with their strength, guts and determination... a true display of ability through Sailability.

So far, NOL has sponsored five 2.3 access dinghys and two 2.4mRs. Every Sunday, a dedicated group of NOL staff volunteers, SSCD staff and other members of the public provide transport services for our sailors and their family members. Not only that, our volunteers pull the boats, rig the sails, help the sailors onto the boats before launching them into the sea.

Disabled sailors sallying forth with the wind behind them

Objectives

To introduce sailing as a new sport for the disabled.
To enable the disabled sailors to see true ability through Sailability.
To develop in the disabled participants, a strong passion for sailing.
Sailability as part of NOL’s corporate volunteerism programme and contributing back to the community.
Staff involvement in volunteering to enhance self-development and better understanding the needs of the disabled and less fortunate.
To prepare our sailors for international competitions and represent Singapore in the Paralympics.