The
Centre
‘ A Charity Changing People's Lives Through Sailing ’
A Potted History of The AHOY Centre
August 2000 - Site acquired through section 106 agreement
2001 - Building designed to ensure maximum accessibility for people with disabilities - Volunteers start work on foundations and raising funds
2002 - Grants from Sport England, Lloyds and other funds raised - Construction work on main building commences
November 2003 - Building is officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal, (Patron of the RYA) - Receive award from River Thames Society for contribution to wellbeing of the Thames
April 2004 - First season of activities commences and the Centre becomes a recognised RYA Teaching establishment and Sailability Centre, (RYA Sailability promotes boating for the disabled) - AALA licences received - AHOY Volunteers exceed 70
2005 - 830 people participate in activities at AHOY - Continued fundraising brings number of boats to 18 and additional equipment - first projects with probation services & local police - AHOY Volunteers grow too
2006 – HRH The Princess Royal revisits the Centre to re-open the slipway, disability access landing stage and gantry lift - Specially adapted boats for people with disabilities (Martin 16 & Access liabilities) purchased - Increase in disability activities - Over 1200 people participate in courses and activities - Over 300 RYA certificates awarded - First Volunteers become Power Boat Instructors - 8 Volunteers become Safety Boat Officers
2007 - Total fundraising to date 1.7 million - Further equipment purchased - Fleet of boats stands at 36 - Over 1600 people participate on courses and activities - Further expansion of range of activities and courses - Initial funding received for special disability boat - Outreach work increases - Centre now open 7 days a week during summer, 6 days a week during winter
2008 - Special boat for people with disabilities commences build and will be the first in the world - Further special equipment purchased - More projects completed involving crime avoidance - Special schemes developed for education - Plans drawn up for development of jetty - More activities and courses including the commencement of rowing
