What Portsmouth Water Says
In correspondence with the Disabled Sailors Association, Portsmouth Water states:
ON THE 3rd July 2026
James Hodgson the Communications and Stakeholder Engagement officer for Portsmouth Water's Havant Thicket Reservoir stated,
"Portsmouth Water's position remains that Havant Thicket Reservoir is not intended to support sailing or other water sports activities.
This is not a matter of policy and reflects the constraints and conditions established through the planning permission for the project,
alongside the outcomes of the local consultation process. It also takes into account key safety and operational considerations."
The Disabled Sailors Association believe the public should be aware of the full context.
CONSULTATION - The local consultation process did not include the Disabled Sailors Association, even though it had requested to take part,
and there is no evidence to date of Portsmouth Water contacting any other sailing authority or other reservoir management.
PLANNING - The DSA contacted all Havant Borough Councilors regarding the reservoir being used for sailing-related and inclusive water activitiesand had no negative response.
SAFETY AND OPERATION - All issues have been addressed in detail in the extensive report already provided to Portsmouth Water who have not commented on the evidence from all the other reservoirs in the UK who have
30 years of experience providing sailing for disabled people.
We have requested further information from PWC.
What We Know
- Major UK reservoirs allow sailing.
- They provide disabled sailing opportunities.
- Environmental protection and sailing coexist successfully.
- A 40-page report found no evidence of significant wildlife harm from properly managed sailing.
- Thousands of disabled people already enjoy reservoir sailing elsewhere in Britain.
What We Are Asking
- Review the current policy.
- Consider evidence from other UK reservoirs.
- Meet disability organisations.
- Explore accessible sailing opportunities.
- Give disabled people the same opportunities available elsewhere.
A Simple Question
If disabled people can sail safely on reservoirs throughout Britain,
why can't they sail on Havant Thicket Reservoir?
Support The Campaign
Havant Thicket Reservoir is a major public asset. Disabled people deserve equal access to recreation, sport, independence and inclusion. Help us encourage a review of this policy.