Wind in his sails

It’s celebrations all round as young sailor Logan set off for the world championships in his adapted boat, thanks to Wooden Spoon and Sailability.
In 2019, Wooden Spoon Leicestershire & Rutland provided a £13,000 grant for two specially adapted Hansa dinghies for Rutland Sailability, helping youngsters with any disability to sail in a safe environment with well-trained volunteers, and to RYA standards. The boats have been extremely popular, and four years on, 15-year-old Logan had progressed so well in this dinghy class, he was selected for the 2023 Hansa World Championships in Portimão, Portugal.

Logan tells us what sailing means to him: “

At seven, I started at Rutland Sailability. Due to my complex needs, football and rugby just wouldn’t work. Once I got in the boat, I was off! I quickly went through the levels – I’m not sure they knew what to do next with me. I’m competitive and wanted to have a go at racing. I love sailing because I feel free.”

Logan added:

“Being told I was good enough to go to Portimão was amazing but very daunting. For my first international race I’m pleased with my results – thank you for making my dreams come true!

Wooden Spoon Leicestershire & Rutland continued to fundraise at their annual St George’s day Lunch and were able to sponsor him with over 70% of his travelling costs enabling him to compete in the world championships.

Logan’s mum, Marie adds “

Logan has had many battles through his life. He has complex medical/ physical and mental health needs. Sailing is a passion and huge part of Logan’s life. No matter where we go there is usually a boat involved or we see boats and the boats that Wooden Spoon kindly donated are fantastic. It allows Logan to have a good quality boat that can fit his needs to allow him to sail independently”