by Emma Grove

The founder of a sailing charity has praised the community for the way it has supported a club's bid to secure a specialised boat for the Island.

Even Keel aims to make the sport available to everyone, whatever their age or ability.

Through the charity, the Isle of Sheppey Sailing Club (IOSSC) has bought an Artemis 20, which is specially designed to allow disabled people to sail more easily.

The project also aims to raise the profile of the club and to encourage residents of all abilities to take up the sport.

Since the club, in Marine Parade, Sheerness, launched its bid, thousands of pounds has been pledged from various businesses, councillors and groups, and so far there is £27,000 in the pot.

The boat cost £15,000 and the club is still raising money for running costs of £12,000 a year.

Although the target is to have the boat for three years, it is hoped it will be successful enough to become more long term.

County councillor Adrian Crowther gave £3,000 through his Kent County Council community grant.

Another £4,000 has also come from the Queenborough Fisheries Trust. Previous donations have included £10,000 from Southern Water and £3,000 from Swale Heating.

Even Keel founder David Rutter said: "Watching how the community and businesses have all come together to make Even Keel a reality on the Isle of Sheppey is wonderful to see.

"How everybody is helping people to get out on the water and enjoy sailing and teamwork is just great.

"I believe I can speak for everybody who will experience the joys of the project this year and over the next two that the funds donated so far will be greatly appreciated.

"A huge thank-you to all of our supporters - you are making a huge difference to a lot of people.

"Why not come down to IOSSC and find out more about the project, get out on the water and find other ways to help out?"

• To pledge money, call Mr Thatcher at Swale council on 01795 417109 or email jamesthatcher@swale.gov.uk

Swale council's sports development manager, James Thatcher, said: "I am really pleased that our local county councillor, Adrian Crowther, is supporting the Even Keel disability sailing project.

"Cllr Crowther has been a big supporter of the local sports and physical activity agenda on the Island in recent years, enabling the outdoor fitness machines to be installed on the Leas - a big thank-you to him.

"I am also extremely grateful to Queenborough Fisheries Trust for their generous grant.

"It will mean a huge amount to our local community, allowing them to enjoy some of the Isle of Sheppey's finest natural facilities off our fantastic coast."