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The Accessible Sailing Concept

A large proportion of the community have been excluded from considering sailing as a recreation. It is however possible for these people to be included as the following examples show.

People with moderate to severe disabilities - People with all levels of disability are welcomed to Access Dinghy sailing. Whilst these boats are not specially designed for those with a disability, the inherent design features allow the most severely disabled sailors to participate. An example is 21 year old Nava who, for the last 17 years, has been reliant on a personal ventilator to breathe. Since she was involved in a car accident at age four she has never taken part in any physical activity. In 2001 Nava sailed solo to win her division in the Australian and North American Access Dinghy Championships. This is a world first and the rest of the international sailing fraternity has watched the project with great interest. Or read about 13 year old Ame's successes on the water.

The frail elderly population - With the aging of the World's population, a larger number of elderly people need to participate in various activities. Sailing is an ideal pass time as there is little stress to the body, nor physical strength required. As with the disabled population, Access Dinghies are the ideal boats to include elderly retired people who still have their health and wish to take part in a healthy outdoor activity. These elderly members are often great supporters of their Accessible Sailing Club as they use their skills and experience in club management. Often the elderly members become mentors for the younger sailors, starting new and meaningful relationships.

Gender Equity Opportunities - As Access Dinghies are easy and safe to sail, there is a higher ratio of female : male participation than in traditional sailing activities. Conventionally sailing is a male dominated with 75% of all sailors being males aged between the ages of 18 and 65. Females find Access Dinghies non-intimidating, with the warm colours, ease and comfort of sailing, and the emphasis not on competition and athleticism.. Access Dinghies are making a significant impact on the male dominance of this sport.

The young - Safety features of the Access Dinghies provide the ideal stable platform to learn the basics of sailing. By targeting this age group, they can be introduced to an active, healthy outdoor sport and with it comes an increased level of self-esteem as well as a respect for their own well-being. This could potentially alleviate many problems associated with young people as they enter their formative years.
duced to an active, healthy outdoor sport and with it comes an increased level of self-esteem as well as a respect for their own well-being. This could potentially alleviate many problems associated with young people as they enter their formative years.

Youth at risk - Being in charge of your own sailing boat provides a level of empowerment not achieved in many other sports. The wind, the water, a boat and being the skipper in control - all this adds up to an understanding of one's own potential. Our programmes encourage participants to assist in the management and development of their club, and for it to become their project. This without doubt increases confidence, self-esteem and self-worth.

Socio economically disadvantaged - Families under financial duress, single parents and those out of work, can all potentially benefit from our programmes. As the annual membership to an Accessible Sailing Club is extremely affordable, many people are able to participate in this healthy sport.

Ethnic minority groups - In our sailing oriented nations there are ethnic minorities who are very rarely involved in sailing, that is understandable for the parents, but we have found that their children are only too eager to have a go when given the chance. At the 2000 Access Dinghy USA National Championships held in Miami 4% of competitors were Asian, 14% Afro American, 32% Hispanic and 47% White. First in Div 3 was an 11 year old Hispanic girl, first in Div 2 was a 15 year old Afro American boy from a youth at risk program, and first in Div 1 was their white Caucasian instructor. It will take a few years but the goal should be to see these kids go on to win Div 1 as well.