Back to top anchor
Close main menu
Open main menu Close main menu
Inclusive sailing

Inclusive Sailing

Sailing is a sport that allows everybody, regardless of ability or disability, to take part on a level playing field. There are many opportunities to get on the water for recreation or competition in boats that can be adapted to suit anybody.

Inclusive Clubs

Yachting has developed a toolkit for clubs that supports the provision of inclusive programmes and delivering sailing for people with a disability. There is a wealth of resources on inclusive sailing, from how to set up a programme, how to make your club more accessible, to information on the types of boats that suit people with an impairment.

​ Para Sailing

Sailing offers people with a disability the chance to compete on the world stage.

Find out more about high performance opportunities in Para Sailing 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    I have a disability - How can I go sailing?
    Sailing is a sport that can be made possible for anybody. For people with a physical disability, boats can be modified to meet the individual needs of the sailor, whether that be with an electronic servo system (similar to using a power wheelchair) or just the standard accessible dinghies with centreline seats and joystick steering. If you can’t get yourself into the boat, there are lifting systems that can help you in and out. Visually impaired and blind sailors can use buoys with sound signals to let sailors know their location on the water.

    Are there opportunities to race and participate in regattas?
    Yes. Once you have completed learn to sail and have the basic skills of steering and controlling the sails, you can start to enter regattas. There are a handful of events in New Zealand each year, and many more opportunities overseas as you progress.

    Can the boats flip?
    The Hansa dinghies used in most New Zealand Sailability sailing programmes are designed so that they cannot capsize. This is done by placing lead in the centreboard or keel, so that no matter how hard the wind blows, the boat can’t tip over.  

    What other safety measures are in place?
    When sailing, participants must wear a suitable lifejacket/personal flotation device (PFD) and should be supervised by a safety power boat on the water, too. While the choice of what style lifejacket/PFD is often dependent on the type of sailing and an individual’s preference, more care must be taken with the choice for people with a disabilitywww.sailabilitynelson.org.nz/

    How can I get involved?
    Contact one of the programmes listed below if you would like to start sailing, volunteer or support accessible sailing in your community. Otherwise, contact the Yachting New Zealand regional support officer for your area. 

    Yachting New Zealand Committee for Sailors with a Disability

    Yachting New Zealand has a committee for sailors with a disability that is responsible for ensuring New Zealanders in this community have the chance to participate at all levels from grassroots up to international competition. Blind sailing and sailability organisations maintain their independence in this committee and share their expert knowledge to be spread nationally.

    Yachting New Zealand subscribes to Sport New Zealand's No Exceptions philosophy to guide our sport in becoming inclusive to people of all abilities.

    This philosophy is based on four principles:

    • An enabling attitude
    • An enabling environment where barriers are removed
    • Access that is real and equitable
    • All people participating

    Upcoming inclusive events

    Useful Contacts

    The YNZ Regional Support Officers (RDMs). Contact details can be found here.

    National Contacts

    Chairperson

    Contact Information

    YNZ Committee for Sailors with a Disability

    Dave Allerton

    Email Dave

    Blind Sailing NZ

    Ben Geddes

    Email Ben

    NZ 2.4mR

    Paul Francis

    Email  Paul

    New Zealand Hansa Class Association Tim Dempsey Email Tim

     

    Sailability Auckland Brendan Tourelle Email Brendan
    Sailability Hawkes Bay Katy Moanamika Email Katy

    Sailability Nelson

    John MacDuff

    Email John

    Sailability Northland Trust Chris Sharp Email Chris
    Sailability Otago Anette Seifert Email Anette
    Sailability Rotorua Pete Skevington Email Pete
    Sailability Taranaki Dave Allerton Email Dave
    Sailability Tauranga Alistair Eagleson Email Alistair
    Sailability Waikato Robert Greenwood Email Robert

    Sailability Wanganui 

    Bob Davies

    Email Bob

    Sailability Wellington Don Manning

    Email Don

    Sailability Canterbury Ingrid Robertson Email Ingrid