A TIRELESS champion of 'sailing for all' will hold his final regatta in Otley this week.

Norman Stephens' association with Otley Sailing Club stretches back 50 years - and since 1989 he has been driving its efforts to ensure people of all abilities can enjoy the sport.

Under the banners of Sailing for All, then Sailfree and, finally, Sailability Mr Stephens has dedicated himself to opening up sailing opportunities for people with disabilities and learning difficulties.

Now a senior instructor and club trustee, he is still volunteering four days a week but has decided that this year will be his last running the programme.

Mr Stephens will hold his final Sailability regatta this Thursday, July 19.

Sally Moore, a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) registered dinghy instructor at Otley Sailing club, said: "Norman has been instrumental in developing the club into a fully accessible, family friendly RYA training centre with facilities to match.

"He has worked tirelessly as a volunteer, teaching people of all abilities to sail and passing on his enthusiasm and enjoyment of the sport to many.

"He has been the mainstay in the development of sailing for everyone, no matter what their ability, in the club since long before the birth of Sailability via the RYA.

"The club's work - with Norman playing a prominent role - with Sailability was recognised in 2012 with a Queen's Award for Voluntary Service followed by a Duke of York Award for Voluntary Service to the Community in 2013.

"And earlier this year Norman himself received an award from the RYA for his exceptional contribution to Sailability."

The club is now open as a Sailability centre, staffed entirely by volunteers, four days per week.

It is used regularly by: John Smeaton High School, Leeds; John Jamieson School, Leeds; Brooklands School, Skipton; High Park School, Bradford; Green Meadows School, Guiseley; Hollybank Trust; Specialist Autism Support Charity, Otley; Alstrom Syndrome Trust; Acorn Trust; and the WASP Group.

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Graham Latty, will be attending on Thursday to present the regatta prizes and there will also be a presentation made to Mr Stephens in recognition of his service.

The club, meanwhile, is keen to recruit new volunteers.

Sally added: "Norman will be a hard act to follow, but the club is determined to continue to support sailors of all ages and abilities to enjoy the freedom of sailing.

"Volunteers are always welcome, you do not need to know how to sail nor to be a club member. Support is needed both on and off the water, especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays with our schools sailing programme.

"We need help to rig, de-rig and launch the boats, drive and crew the power boats, give on-the-water coaching to the sailors and support in the clubhouse. Training where necessary would be offered to anyone who wanted to help."

For more details send an e-mail to: Magnus McDonald, guzzimag7@gmail.com .