Sailing: Then and now

Sailing for disabled athletes began on an international level in the 1980s. The first International Handicap Trophy Regatta was held in Switzerland, followed by others in Germany, the Netherlands and France.

The 1992 World Disabled Sailing Championships were held in Spain alongside (but not part of) the Barcelona 1992 Paralympic Games.

Today, the world’s best disabled sailors regularly train and compete with able-bodied sailors in ‘open’ international regattas.

How to play – and win

Weather permitting, races consist of nine separate runs, which each take around an hour to complete. They are usually contested over an ‘out and back’ course that consists of an upwind and downwind leg.

Competitors accumulate points according to their position after each run, with one point for first, two for second and so on. The winner is the one with the lowest total of points at the end.

Sailing at the Games

Sailing was introduced to the Paralympic Games as a demonstration sport in Atlanta 1996. This led to its inclusion in the Games as a full medal sport in Sydney 2000.

There are modifications in equipment in order to suit the athlete's ability. The yachts used in Paralympic competition have keels, mainly because this design provides greater stability. These keelboats also have open cockpits to allow more room for the sailors.

Get involved

With beginners’ courses around the country for people of all ages and backgrounds, it’s easy to get started in Sailing. Find out more by contacting the Royal Yachting Association (see right).