Prospective participant guide
Participant guide for the planned pilot.
Bookings are not open. This page explains the planned pilot and what happens before a place is offered.
Is the pilot intended for me?
Pilot eligibility and participation.
The first pilot is for adults with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis who want a supported sailing day.
Participation may include steering, sail handling, navigation, observing or resting. The activity is intended to support wellbeing and social participation; it is not clinical care.
FUS also aims to support adults with other long-term conditions. You can register interest in future opportunities, but this does not make you eligible for the first IBD pilot. Wider participation will depend on consultation, pilot evaluation, suitability checks and appropriate funding.
Proposed booking process
How a place would be confirmed.
- 01Register your interest
Send basic contact details and select the participant route. Do not include detailed medical information in the initial form.
- 02Receive launch information
When readiness is confirmed, FUS will publish dates, location, eligibility, costs, cancellation terms and the booking process.
- 03Private suitability conversation
Before booking, we will privately discuss only the health, access and support information needed for safe participation.
- 04Written confirmation
A place is confirmed only when suitability, consent, payment or subsidy and booking terms are agreed in writing.
What a sailing day may involve
Planned sailing-day outline.
Dates, departure point and session length will be published before bookings open.
Before arrival
Before the day, FUS will send joining instructions covering the weather, clothing, travel and emergency contact arrangements.
Welcome and briefing
On arrival, participants will meet the skipper and crew, receive a safety briefing, and be shown the safety equipment, toilet and rest area.
Sail as a crew
Participants may steer, handle sails, help with navigation, observe or rest. The skipper may alter or stop the session because of weather, safety or participant welfare.
Return and review
After returning to harbour, the crew will confirm that everyone has disembarked safely. Participants may provide feedback, but this is optional.
Comfort, access and personal needs
Vessel facilities and access limitations.
Suerte has a private toilet, washbasin, sheltered seating and rest space. Steps, narrow spaces and a moving deck may not suit every mobility need.
- Reasonable adjustments and support needs will be considered individually.
- Participants remain responsible for medication, personal supplies and anything listed in the joining information.
- Fatigue, urgency, seasickness, mobility, anxiety and the need to pause can be discussed privately before booking.
- We will explain any limits. Registering interest does not guarantee a place.
Still to be confirmed
Information to be confirmed before bookings open.
Dates and departure point
The exact South Coast location, arrival time, session length, transport and parking information.
Price and subsidy
Any participant contribution, what is included, available supported places and when payment would be due.
Weather and cancellation
How weather decisions are communicated and the options if FUS or a participant needs to postpone or cancel.
Eligibility and support
Referral arrangements, information required, support-person arrangements and any operating limitations.
What to bring
Clothing, footwear, food, medication, personal supplies and prohibited or unsuitable items.
Consent and privacy
How health, emergency-contact, photography and feedback choices are recorded and retained.
Common questions
Current answers to common questions.
Do I need sailing experience?
No. The programme is being designed for people with little or no sailing experience.
Does registering mean I have a place?
No. It records your interest and permission to contact you with updates. Booking will be a separate process after readiness and suitability checks.
Is there a toilet aboard?
Yes. Suerte has a private onboard toilet and washbasin. Access involves the physical constraints of a 38-foot sailing yacht.
Can I rest or choose not to take part in an activity?
Yes. The intended model allows participants to observe, pause or choose a quieter role, subject to the skipper's safety instructions.
Will the place be free?
Not necessarily. FUS is seeking funding for subsidised places. Any charge and subsidy criteria will be published before bookings open.
Can I bring a carer, friend or support person?
Support-person arrangements have not yet been finalised. They will depend on individual need, vessel capacity, safety and the published eligibility process.
What happens if the weather is unsuitable?
The skipper has final authority and may postpone, alter or cancel a sailing day. Written cancellation and rescheduling terms will be issued before booking.
How will my information be used?
We use the initial form to answer your enquiry. Please read the Privacy Notice and do not include detailed medical information in your first message.
Current next step
Register for pilot updates.
Registering interest allows FUS to contact you about relevant updates. It does not reserve a place.
Provisional website guide reviewed 20 September 2026. Final joining and booking information will take priority if the pilot opens.