Wi-Manx is delighted to announce it has chosen to support Sailing for the Disabled and its yacht, Pride of Mann II. The Manx technology group is sponsoring the charity by signing up as a ‘platinum’ member which pledges ?5,000 to Sailing for the Disabled. Formed in 1984, the Isle of Man-based charity is entirely run by volunteers, from the skippers and crew to the administration officers. The charity works with individual members and groups across the whole spectrum of ages, including schoolchildren and specialist groups with disabilities. Wi-Manx Managing Director Ed Whipp has strong ties to the Island’s sailing fraternity and is now Rear Commodore of the Manx Sailing and Cruising Club, having served a two-year term as Commodore. ‘Sailing for the Disabled is a fantastic initiative, a worthy cause which we are thrilled to be associated with’, said Ed. ‘Everyone involved with the charity works tirelessly to give people with disabilities the opportunity to experience the thrill of sailing and it’s a wonderful resource of which the Island can be very proud.’ Wi-Manx recently opened its Heywood House Datacentre in Ridgeway Street, Douglas, and as part of the sponsorship, Pride of Mann II now sports Wi-Manx and Heywood House Datacentre logos, one either side of its hull. Marion Bolam, Corporate Coordinator for the Sailing for the Disabled Committee, explained: ‘Corporate sponsorship is our main source of funds and without it we wouldn’t be able to maintain Pride of Mann II or provide the services to all our clientele. We are indebted, therefore, to companies such as Wi-Manx, whose generous support is much appreciated by everyone involved with the charity.’ Pride of Mann II is based in Douglas inner harbour. The Bavaria 47 was selected by the charity as she required no special modifications to meet the needs of those with disabilities. She is comfortably furnished with eight berths and can seat up to 10 people, with refrigerators for food storage and up-to-date cooking facilities, plus two shower/toilets, along with special lifting equipment to facilitate the lifting on and off of wheelchair users. She is fully-equipped to RYA (Royal Yachting Association) standards and has the RYA Sailability Foundation Certificate, thus meeting the full requirements to take people with disabilities sailing. All crew are trained in-house by a qualified RYA training officer, a trained awareness officer and crew are kept regularly updated in all health and safely and first aid requirements. ENDS