On the 27th June the Even Keel Project will be sailing into Kent to provide a week on the water for an array of individuals from the local Kent area.

The event sponsored this year by Southern Water & Swale Borough Council is in its second year and is shaping up to be bigger & better than ever with over 10 local organisations taking the opportunity to come on down & experience the fun & excitement that sailing can deliver.

Over 100 children with a range of abilities & disabilities will take to the water during the 6 days based at Queenborough all tide landing, Isle of Sheppey to discover new skills & inspire them to believe anything is possible.
 
The Even Keel Project has been established to show Sailing is one of very few sports in which having a physical disability does not have to be a disadvantage. Through its adaptive sailing programme, the project gives both the able bodied and disabled the opportunity to participate together in a sailing activity that would otherwise be normally outside their reach.

The project's philosophy stems from the importance of accessibility, the idea of breaking down barriers and creating a fun and functional environment that will increase participation throughout the sport

On Tuesday 28th June the project will welcome Hilary Lister to Queenbouough to speak to the sailors & inspire them to believe they can achieve all there goals in life. Hilary On 31st August 2009, became the first disabled woman to sail solo around Britain. In a series of day sails starting from Dover in June 2008 and restarting from Plymouth on the 21st May 2009. She completed her challenge in the her Artemis 20, the boats developed by Even Keel to provide access to sailing for all & are now being used to provide first time sailing experiences for many people throughout the UK & are raced at various regattas

Ant McMahon, Operations Director for the Even Keel Project explained;
''The team are looking forward to some great time on the water during this event & the happy faces which always arrive on peoples faces whilst on the water. This coming together of several different parties proves that partnerships really can provide great opportunities for everyone and we look forward to inspiring many future sailors''

The Even Keel team will be hosting a 'try sailing' day for the community on Saturday 2nd July to provide an opportunity for any interested parties to come along & have a go, sailing from Queenborough all tide landing & Isle of Sheppey Sailing club from 1000-1400

Beverley Thompson, Senior Public Relations Manager for southern water commented;

''Southern Water is delighted to be teaming up with the Even Keel Project to enable even more young people to be able to experience the thrill of sailing. The company is committed to promoting safety on the water, through its involvement with water sports and its Learn to Swim programme which has taught more than 600,000 children to swim over 19 years!
I hope everyone who takes part has a fantastic time and makes the most of this amazing opportunity''

The weeks event will be rounded off with an evening BBQ to be held at Isle of Sheppey sailing club where Hilary Lister will again be present to share her experiences with our new sailors, parents & carers. Gorden Henderson Member of Parliament for Sittingbourne and Sheppey will be in attendance to show his support for activities such as these & the team from Swale borough Council & Even Keel will be available to answer all questions & explain how everyone can get involved in the future palns of access to sailing with the Even Keel Project