Sailing is life changing freedom.

Disabled sailing has empowered, motivated and enhanced the lives of people living with disabilities across the country and beyond. Although it is a relatively newer sport with a sparser history, it continues to attract people to the water and provide opportunities for challenge, excitement and freedom.

Sailing is accessible thanks to boats that are specially designed to meet the needs of people with mobility impairments.  Other boats are easily adaptable. 

Not all of our sailors have full use or strength of their arms or hands. In these cases, a device called an “Autohelm” can be easily fitted onto a Martin 16 sailboat. The Autohelm has a small, almost effortless joystick – similar to a video game control – that can be used to steer the boat. In addition, a windlass (winch) can also be fitted on to the boat and both sheets can then also be controlled with a touch of the fingers – left or right for steering, forward or back to ease or trim sails.

Some sailors are able to get in and out of boats with little or no assistance.

Otherwise a very secure system with a sling and a hydraulic, mechanical or electric lift is used.

Our sailors are children and adults with a wide range of disabilities.  Anybody can go sailing! Here are a few of their stories:

In 2017 over 2000 sailors benefited from our programs - and spent over 9000 hours on the water!