Our Patrons

Saskia Clark

Olympic Sailing Gold Medalist

I was lucky enough to grow up on an island, so I've spent most of my life surrounded by water and I can't imagine my life without it. Being on, in or by the sea has fundamentally shaped me as a person; the sea is where I head for exhilaration and adventure and conversely, for thought, reflection and calm.

There is increasing research that suggests proximity to blue spaces positively impacts both physical and mental wellbeing. Anecdotally I know this to be true!

The Freedom Boat Adventures project is an amazing community project that will increase water access, focussing on a comfortable and inclusive experience for all. I can't wait to see it up and running.

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Hannah Stodel

Para Olympian and World champion Sailer

I'm thrilled to have been asked to be a patron for the Freedom Boat Adventures project, as it is so close to home for me. Growing up on East coast, and having access to the water day in and day out has made me the person that I am today, and having access to opportunities and support locally has helped me shape my career.

Without local people stepping up and thinking outside the box, I wouldn't have got my chance to go to the Paralympic Games, and I owe that to the local people of both Brightlingsea and Mersea Island who stepped up to the challenge and adapted boats to get me sailing.

Sadly this isn't the case for everyone, and quite often disabled sailors or powerboaters are left with the undignified option of being hauled in and out, or given kit that is quite frankly insulting! I look forward to a boat that is designed with the end user in mind, and not a "it will do" boat.

This project will hopefully open doors for so many other disabled people to get out on the water and change their lives as mine has been!

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