Accessibility | Mobility | Ability
Abilities Come In All Shapes & Sizes
Can I do this? – This is the age-old question for any of us who may not have the skills or ability to do something, whether that is due to insufficient training, experience, physical, mental, or even spiritual limitations.
Can I self-skipper a Bareboat? Can I set sail with Portland Roads Sailing the Whitsundays? If I can’t sail the boat, could I be a passenger? If I can’t set sail, what are my options?
One size does not fit all, but at Portland Roads Sailing the Whitsundays, we will do everything within our power to give you the ability to be ABLE!
Emotional, physical, and mental ability and inability are as much a part of our world as the oceans, and whilst we cannot cater to everyone, we will try to be a part of the solution. Ideally, you will be fit and healthy, as getting around a vessel, especially on the open ocean, can be a challenge.
Our charters are Bareboat, which means self-skippered. Can you skipper a vessel on your own? Could you do it with Family and Friends?
In this wonderful world of Bareboating, you charter the vessel; Our team is not on board. This is up to you. Only you and your loved ones will know whether you can join us on the open seas in our sailing catamarans.
Coral Sea Marina has magnificent access if mobility is an issue for you; however, access from the dock to a vessel is limited and dangerous (even for the able-bodied at times!)
Our team are always available to help where possible, yet this immersive experience is up to you. If you think you can make it happen, we’ll do the risk analysis, and if we can flick on the GREEN LIGHT, we’ll bend over backwards to help.
Guests who have sailed with us before have presented with a range of abilities and disabilities that include:
- Inexperienced,
- Unqualified,
- Physical,
- Sensory,
- Intellectual, and
- Mental Health Conditions.
Many have managed their way around our vessels with the help of supportive friends and family.
We have a fleet of 6 vessels. Only SV Lawless, our Lagoon 42, should be considered for our ability/disability charters. If you are uncertain, please reach out to our passionate team, who will try to create magic for your experience.
NOTES: Due to the size, layout, and nature of our vessels, wheelchairs cannot fit on board; however, our team will help you board and store your wheelchair (off the vessel) for the duration of your charter.
SAILABILITY
Being born or struck down with a disability puts limits on your life and the lives of others. One terrific, not-for-profit organisation close to our heart is SAILABILITY – And whilst here at Portland Roads Sailing the Whitsundays, sailing is in our blood, it is out of many people’s reach – SAILABILITY makes it possible for people with disabilities to simply GO SAILING.
In partnership with author Annie Seaton (Whitsunday Dawn, The Shack by the Bay, Summer by the Jewel Sea, and many more), we helped raise vital funds for SAILABILITY by donating a $12,000.00 charter as their major raffle prize. We also purchased copies of Whitsunday Dawn to donate to SAILABILITY.
In July 2026, we will reach out to the Gold Coast Chapter of SAILABILITY to seek an ongoing partnership and support for their dynamic and growing program at Hollywell, including volunteer hours from our owner.