More people who have disabilities in the island will be able to experience the thrill of sailing due to a £4,000 grant from the Manx Lottery.

The trust presented the grant to charity Sailing for the Disabled, which offers opportunities to people with different conditions of all ages on board its yacht - Pride of Mann III.

The grant will make sailing more accessible to people as it will extend the Manx charity’s ’inclusion zone’ to members of island associations and groups who have disabilities.

Formed in 1984, Sailing for the Disabled is run entirely by volunteers.

Honorary secretary, Gerry Morley, said: ’A sincere thank you to Manx Lottery Trust for the support which will make such a difference to many people who have never before had the opportunity to experience the thrill of sailing and the sense of adventure and achievement it brings.

’Now we will be able to run more sailings a week for associations and groups.

’The aim of this initiative is to become more inclusive and provide more enjoyable occasions for the participants.

’It will also provide a much-needed additional activity and outlet for carers and guardians.’

Berthed in Douglas harbour, the yacht has special equipment to help wheelchair users be transferred on and off the boat.

Sarah Kelly, chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, said: ’Manx Sailing for the Disabled volunteers provide such incredible opportunities for people affected by disability.

’Everyone involved with the charity works tirelessly to give as many people as possible the chance to experience the thrill of sailing and it’s a wonderful resource of which the island can be very proud.’

The Manx Lottery Trust is a delegated partner of the Big Lottery Fund, responsible for awarding lottery grants to community projects in the island. In the past 30 years it has awarded more than £8million to projects across the Isle of Man.

To learn more about the charity, visit: www.sftd-iom.com. Visit: www.mlt.org.im for more on the Manx Lottery.