Inland & Coastal Marina Systems, a pontoon and water access specialist, is sponsoring the Scottish charity Autism On The Water for 2024.

In conjunction with Boatfolk’s Rhu Marina, the charity has also secured favourable berthing for the year.

Autism On The Water (AOTW) is a registered charity committed to raising awareness of the autistic spectrum through sailing, taking part in some of Scotland’s top regattas. The charity is also geared to helping autistic people access the world of sailing, bolstering their confidence, and cultivating greater problem-solving and social skills.

Inland & Coastal says the sponsorship ‘reflects its dedication to supporting organisations that make a meaningful impact’. The firm says it hopes the partnership with AOTW ‘will help create greater positive change in the sailing community and beyond.’

“All at AOTW are delighted to welcome Inland & Coastal as our newest sponsor,” says Murray MacDonald, director and founding trustee of AOTW. “Our charity is growing every day and is one of the only charities in the UK that specifically caters for autistic sailing in the UK.

“The sponsorship from Inland & Coastal has enabled us to secure a reduced marina berth at Rhu Marina for our new Impala 28 race yacht, which we plan to campaign at all the big regattas in Scotland such as the Kip Regatta, Scottish Series, Round Mull race, West Highland Yachting Week and the Scottish Two-Handed Race around the Isle of Man.”

MacDonald continues: “We are so grateful to our new sponsors, and it’s especially great that we have been able to pair it with the team at Rhu Marina, who have supported AOTW for quite some time.”

Suzanne Bell at Boatfolk‘s Rhu Marina comments: “We believe in the transformative power of sailing for individuals of all abilities. By providing AOTW with a marina berth, we’re not just offering a place to dock, we’re providing a home for their mission to flourish.

“Our collaboration with Inland & Coastal and Autism On The Water underscores our collective dedication to breaking barriers in sailing. By offering a reduced berth rate, we’re extending a welcoming hand to all sailors, regardless of background or ability.”

Oliver Shortall, managing director at ICMS, adds: “It’s a charity close to all our hearts at Inland and Coastal, and we are so pleased to be able to support Murray to ensure he can continue his fantastic work.

“We are thrilled to be part of the journey in forging a path towards a more inclusive sailing community, where everyone, regardless of ability, can find their place on the water.”

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