Proceeds of DAME Award Bring Sailing Fun to Disabled

METS boat launched by Sailability and Amsterdam RAI

Proceeds of DAME Award bring sailing fun to disabled

In a festive launching ceremony in Hoorn (NL), a specially adapted Hanse 303 was christened METS on 24 August and joined the fleet of the Dutch Sailability foundation.

The sailing yacht was purchased with the proceeds of last year’s DAME award, donated by Amsterdam RAI on behalf of the participants, and will now offer a range of sailing opportunities for disabled people.

The prestigious Design Award METS (DAME) is one of the highlights of the METS trade show in Amsterdam, held every November. The proceeds from the entries for the DAME are donated in their entirety to a charity by Amsterdam RAI. In 2013 the funds were awarded to Sailability, a foundation that provides disabled people with the opportunity to independently enjoy sailing on specially adapted yachts via a nationwide network of locations at partner yacht clubs.

The Hanse 303 was purchased by Sailability with their DAME 2013 proceeds. Theo Lingmont, Director RAI International Exhibitions, officially launched the sailing yacht in the presence of representatives from the Dutch Sailability foundation and Amsterdam RAI at the Watersport Association Hoorn:

“As the organisers of METS we are very proud of this tangible benefit achieved with the contribution of the DAME 2013 participants,” commented Amsterdam RAI’s maritime domain manager Irene Dros. “We wish the METS and all who sail on her fair winds and many pleasant trips.”

Meanwhile, the DAME 2014 Award has now opened for registration. METS 2014 exhibitors wishing to submit products should complete the online application by 19 September. This year’s proceeds will go to AMREF Flying Doctors and be used to contribute to sustainable water access for the Masaipeople in Kenya.

METS 2014 will be held from 18 to 20 November 2014 in Amsterdam RAI Convention Centre. For more information see www.metstrade.com.