Sailing

Sailing. Credit- Disability Sport Australia (1).jpg

Introduction

This sport is open to athletes with a limb loss / limb deficiency, cerebral palsy / brain injury, vision impairment, spinal and nerve injuries and other physical impairments. The objective is for athletes to compete on a set course and post the fastest time.

How to Sail

There are different classes for para-sailing. These are single-person and three-person keelboats which are open to most impairment groups.  Also the two-person keelboat event is specifically designed for athletes with a severe impairment.

Who can Sail

Impairment Type

To be eligible for sailing the athlete must have a vision impairment, physical impairment or intellectual impairment.  Athletes must have a classification to compete.

Classification

Every sailor is classified based on his or her functional ability.  The classes are as follows:

Classes 1 – 7: Athletes with a physical disability or vision impairment are assessed on their functional ability and given a classification point ranging between 1 and 7.  Points are given from 1 (maximum impairment) to 7 (minimum impairment) for the individual sailor.  Sailors with a vision impairment are placed into one of three competition classes (3,5 or 7), based on their visual acuity and field of vision as per the IBSA assessment

How Do I Get Classified?

In order for an athlete to be classified they must first register as a member with their local association. The athlete will then demonstrate the skills and movements required to compete in athletics and these will be assessed by approved classifiers who will determine the most appropriate class.  Other factors including the athlete’s medical history are also taken into account during classification. 

Where can you participate?

AUSTRALIA

Australian Sailing
Ben Houston
Chief Executive Officer
Phone: (02) 9170 6999
office@sailing.org.au

STATE / TERRITORIES

New South Wales

Sailing Australia (NSW)
Contact: Emma Humphries (Regional Manager - NSW / ACT)
emma.humphries@sailing.org.au

Queensland

Yachting Queensland
Contact: Ben Callard (Regional Manager - QLD/NT)
P: +61 2 9170 6928
ben.callard@sailing.org.au

Northern Territory

Yachting Northern Territory
Contact: Ben Callard (Regional Manager - QLD/NT)
P: +61 2 9170 6928
ben.callard@sailing.org.au

Tasmania

Yachting Tasmania
Conatct: Chris Jones (Regional Manager - Tasmania)
P: +61 400 364 053
chris.jones@sailing.org.au

Victoria

Yachting Victoria
Contact: Meaghan Densley (Regional Manager - Victoria)
P: +61 425 720 372
meaghan.densley@sailing.org.au

South Australia

Yachting South Australia
Conatct: Ian Leeson (Regional Manager - SA)
P: +61 449 757 428
ian.leeson@sailing.org.au

Australian Capital Territory

Sailing Australia (ACT)
Contact: Emma Humphries (Regional Manager - NSW / ACT)
emma.humphries@sailing.org.au

Western Australia

Yachting Western Australia
Contact: Andy Fethers (Regional Manager - WA)
P: +61 8 9386 2438
andy.fethers@sailing.org.au

 

Resources

Videos

Intro to Para-Sailing from Paralympics Australia

Documents

International Rule Book from World Sailing

Para-Classification Rules from World Sailing