Sailing With a Disability
International Sailing Federation Tips for Mobility Impaired Boaters
Sep 8, 2009
The International Association for Disabled Sailing (IFDS), a division of the International Sailing Federation, was founded with the goal of making sailing a sport that is accessible to everyone. The IFDS offers ideas for disabled sailors, advice on how to organize sailing events and how to adapt your boat. The IFDS also sponsors competitions for disabled sailors.
Getting Started
The best way to learn about disabled sailing is to visit a local marina’s “Have A Try” Day. This is exactly what it sounds like – a day for people with disabilities to come out and try sailing. This could be looked at as a one-day event or the beginning of a lifelong pastime.
If there are no marinas or sailing clubs local to you that offer a “Have A Try” Day, consider organizing one of your own. The IFDS website offers a complete list of what you will need to do to host this event.
Before You Sail
There are many things to consider before you go sailing, from the length of time you spend on the water to the accessibility of all the shore facilities along the route that you are sailing (in the event that an emergency stop is necessary) and everything in between. All these things require careful thought and consideration.
Some other things that you may want to consider include:
- Accessibility of the boat. Will you be able to board the the vessel on your own or will you require assistance?
- Accessibility of the heads (toilets). Will you be able to use the restroom yourself or will you need to devise an alternative?
- Clothing. Did you wear/bring enough clothing that you can add/remove layers as the weather on the water changes?
- Duties of the crew. Which crew member will perform what task?
- Drugs. Do you have your medication on board in the event that the weather turns and you cannot return to shore at the designated time?
- Seasickness. Do you get seasick and do you have the proper medication to control/prevent it?
For a complete checklist and more information on sailing with a disability, visit the International Association for Disabled Sailing web page.
A New Record
On September 1, 2009, a new record in disabled sailing was set when Hilary Lister arrived in Dover (England) harbor, completing her year-plus-long journey to become the first quadriplegic woman to sail solo around Great Britain.
After run-ins with inclement weather and a brief hospital stay for breathing difficulties, Lister says she is relieved to be home but is already looking forward to her next challenge. The highlight of her trip around the island, Lister said, was seeing the marine wildlife. “Just seeing whales 35ft long fully breached out of the water was incredible. Two of them jumped like dolphins — it was amazing.”
Lister suffers from reflex sympathetic dystrophy, a degenerative neurological disorder that causes her to be in constant pain. The chronic condition has caused her to lose most of the movement in her body. She can control her head, eyes and mouth, which allowed her to sail the boat. Lister controlled Me Too, a 20- foot keelboat, with a sip-and-puff system of three straws connected to pressure-sensitive switches.
While not everyone will be able to accomplish what Hilary has, sailing is still a very real possibility. If you are interested, visit the IDFS web page to find out how to get started.
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