A Helensburgh based autism charity is preparing for its biggest event to date as more than 100 people prepare to set sail at Rhu Marina.

Taking place on Saturday, May 6, around 120 people from the area and beyond will enjoy taking to the waters for the free 45-minute sailing slots provided by Autism on the Water [AOTW].

Founder Murray MacDonald, who has autism himself, was surprised by the high turnout and hopes the day will be beneficial for everyone involved.

He said: “When we first started taking bookings for it, I thought we would get the standard 20 or 30 people but within three or four days we had 75 people signed up.

“For me as an autistic person, sailing has really helped me with my confidence, my problem-solving skills, and my social skills which are three very difficult things for people with autism to adapt to.

“The majority of people that come out increase their confidence, make new friends, and it really sort of brings them out of their shell making them do things that their parents thought they could never do.”

Sailors will go out on the charity’s own yachts named Confidence and Positivity as well as an additional yacht, boat, and motorboat.

On shore, visitors can enjoy a barbecue with meat provided by Helensburgh butchers Alexander Sommerville and Callaghan.

Those who come along will also get a goody bag with sweets and treats donated by favourite brands like Tunnocks.

The day, as with every event planned by AOTW is free for everyone involved – including carers and family – as the charity believe sailing should be as accessible as possible.

Murray added: “When people go to sailing trips and stuff a lot of people have to pay fees for it.

“For us, we’ve spoken to a lot of people before who have said that money is the barrier and with the cost-of-living crisis we can understand that.
“We just want to say ‘well, listen, all our trips are free – come and join us.’”

Murray is a member of Cove Sailing Club and has been sailing since his childhood.

Inspired by his hobby, Murray set up AOTW in 2016 and since then the charity has helped almost 400 people with autism access sailing and boating facilities and has four of its own boats.

For his work, Murray was recently given a Coronation Champion Award by the Royal Voluntary Service.

To learn more about Autism on the Water, visit their site: www.autismonthewater.co.uk.