Moorings News

Clearwater, FL (June 11, 2010) –The Moorings, the world’s premier yacht charter company, is proud to have recently sponsored Sailability Greater Tampa Bay in a charitable mission and sailing charter to the British Virgin Islands, where the group donated much-needed mobility equipment to a local special needs school.

During a ceremony on May 19 at the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre in John’s Hole, three wheelchairs were presented; one was a custom-built, motorized wheelchair by Custom Mobility for Reyah Fonesca, one of the physically challenged students. Local dignitaries attended, including Acting Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcia Potter, who attended on behalf of Honorable Andrew Fahie, Minister of Education; and Education Officer of Special Needs, Ms. Lorna Dawson.

Reflecting on their trip, Claudia Nable, President of Sailability Greater Tampa Bay, said, "It’s about working together to make something happen. A few months ago, we organized a BVI team-building trip aboard two yachts donated to us by The Moorings and while planning, we learned of the school’s needs. With Custom Mobility’s commitment to donate the wheelchairs, all of the pieces fell into place."

Nine Sailability volunteers journeyed to the BVIs for the occasion. Dennis Denninger, who has been a volunteer for over 8 years and currently serves as Sailability Instructor/Coach and Board Member, noted, "There are times in life when you can have a direct positive impact on someone's life and The Moorings gave me the opportunity to have that impact with Reyah."

Lex Raas, CEO of The Moorings, remarked, "Originating from our relationship with Sailability near our corporate headquarters in Clearwater, Florida, we were delighted to donate the two week-long charters in recognition of their volunteers’ dedication to sharing the joys of sailing with those who otherwise do not have the physical or mental abilities to sail. An enduring cornerstone of The Moorings focuses on community involvement, and this is a continuation of our community support in the BVI, a place we’ve also called home since our founders established The Moorings in Road Town, Tortola in 1969."

This donation was also facilitated by Sailability BVI, specifically Alison Bramble, Centre Principal, and Colin Bramble, Managing Director & Chief Instructor, who helped organize the ceremony and built a growing friendship with Sailability Greater Tampa Bay. Colin and Alison noted, "Our staff and students were delighted to welcome our fellow Sailability volunteers, and look forward to future opportunities with them. We’re also grateful to The Moorings for making this possible, and for bringing more awareness to the plights and successes of all our individuals with special needs."

The Moorings:
The Moorings, the world’s premier yacht charter company, has delivered unmatched quality, service and attention to detail since 1969. Sail-it-yourself bareboat yachts, crewed yachts with captain and chef, and power yacht charters are available. The Moorings is owned by TUI Travel, PLC, one of the world’s largest and most successful travel and tourism companies.

Sailability Greater Tampa Bay:
Not-for-profit providing affordable, accessible sailing activities and education to children and adults of all abilities to improve the quality of life for everyone. In 2009, they hosted 24 events with 15 sailboats giving over 400 people access to sailing. Visit www.sailabilitygreatertampabay.org

Sailability BVI:
The only overseas-recognized RYA site of its kind; it comes under the protective umbrella of the BVI Watersports Centre, headquartered at Manual Reef in Sea Cows Bay, Tortola.

Custom Mobility:
Specializes in custom wheelchairs to address their client’s unique seating needs.

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Van Perry, Head of Marketing, North America
727-437-5127
vperry@mooringsnet.com

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