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.
| 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 | Tim Dempsey | Email Tim |
| 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 |
| Sailability Otago |
Frequently Asked Questions
I have a disability - How can I go sailing?
Sailing is a sport that can be made accessible for everyone, regardless of disability. For people with physical disabilities, boats can be adapted with features such as electronic servo systems (similar to power wheelchairs), centreline seating, and joystick steering. Lifting systems are available to assist anyone who needs help getting in and out of the boat. For those who are blind or have low vision, buoys with sound signals can help sailors navigate safely on the water. People with intellectual, learning, or invisible disabilities are supported by trained volunteers and coaches who provide clear instructions, encouragement, and a welcoming environment. Sailability programmes are designed to be flexible and responsive to individual needs, ensuring that anyone—regardless of their disability—can experience the freedom and enjoyment of sailing.
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 disability.
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.
How can I get involved?
Contact one of the programmes listed above 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.
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
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 supports Sport New Zealand's vision - Every Body Active. We want Aotearoa to be a place where no one is missing out on the benefits of physical activity. Every New Zealander – regardless of age, gender, disability, cultural or religious background, sexual orientation, or where they live – has the right to be treated fairly and enjoy the physical activities of their choice. A big part of our mission is making sure everyone feels accepted, respected and included in play, active recreation and sport. https://sportnz.org.nz/inclusivity-hub/disability-inclusivity/
Inclusive Clubs
Yachting has developed a toolkit for clubs that supports the provision of inclusive programmes and delivering sailing for people with disabilities, both physical and intellectual. 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.