Many Islanders have some experience sailing into the deep blue sea, feeling the waves gently splashing on their face and wind blowing in their hair. But for those confined to a wheelchair this experience is often far from their grasp.Fifteen people with special needs were recently given this chance thanks to Schroders Bermuda. The company raised enough money from a charity golf tournament at Riddell’s Bay Golf and Country Club to provide the WindReach clients an opportunity to sail on board the Spirit of Bermuda this past weekend.Another group of special needs people will take part in the project, called ‘WindReach on the Water’, in May.According to Theresa Hall, the development director at WindReach, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for some of their users.“One of our adult wheelchair users, Sia Castle, who comes to WindReach regularly has never been out on the water in Bermuda and she is probably in her mid-30s.“For her it was such an amazing experience. She kept commenting on how great it was to see Bermuda from a different perspective.”It was also a great chance for bike accident victim Nick Fagundo to get back on the water with his family after his disability confined him to the land.Ms Hall said: “He used to sail before his accident and now that he is confined to a chair he is very limited in the recreational activities he can do that he can also share with his nine-year-old daughter, Neena. “Nick, his wife and Neena were all able to come out and enjoy the day together like any other family on the water. It was such an opportunity and just gave them so much pleasure.”Crew on board the Spirit of Bermuda took great care to hoist the three people with wheelchairs onto the boat. They were then safely stationed at the vessel’s stern and enjoyed the relaxing ride, taking in the sights and sounds of the afternoon.Younger WindReach clients, some of whom are diagnosed with autism, were able to participate more with the sailing of the ship.Ms Hall said: “It was just amazing looking at their faces when the crew had some of the younger people on board to pull the ropes and put the sail up they were all so excited to be a part of it.”The group spent two hours sailing around the Great Sound, starting and ending in Dockyard. They also enjoyed sandwiches, cookies and soft drinks around mid-day.Schroders Bermuda is a big supporter of both WindReach and the Bermuda Sloop Foundation.Company head David Burns said: “They are two charities which represent well our focus on youth and education.“This particular combined project grew out of my interest in supporting what I call micro-charities. I just think that a little giving, when well and carefully applied, can go a very long way.”