Disabled Sailing

Photo: IFDS Single-Person Dinghy World Championship 2005 in San Felice Circeo

Sydney 2000 Paralympics - Information & Links
International Federation of Disabled Sailing
ISAF's 2004 Paralympic Games microsite

June 30 - Potential Paralympics talent may have been spotted for the first time at the Sailing Development Program Open Day staged by NSW Institute of Sport at Sailability Rushcutters Bay, Sydney in June. Media release by Graeme Adam at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0630a.htm

June 12 - Jackie Kay of Access Dinghy Foundation and Sailability Australia is honoured in the Queen’s Birthday list. Media release by Graeme Adam at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0612g.htm 

May 27 - Australians Paul Borg and Kylie Forth have won the 2006 International Match Racing Championships for Blind People in Porto Maurizio, Italy. This is the second year in a row that Borg has claimed the trophy, having won last year sailing with countryman Don Scott. He was also runner up in 2003. The event used the Homerus system of acoustic buoys to define the course and boat signals that change when on port or starboard tack. The championships were sailed in two identical 24 foot keelboats by a two person crew with a sighted umpire or observer on board. Media releases by David Staley at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0526b.htm

May 23 - Through the generosity of well-known Sydney yachtsman, Denis O'Neil and son Ned, Sailability Point Piper has been established to provide all members of Sailability with the opportunity of experiencing Sydney Harbour aboard the 48ft motor launch Expresso with a skipper and crew. Full story by Jackie Kay from Sailability newsletter at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0523b.htm

May 19 - Sailability Timor - While problems in Dili headline the news of late, Sailability has brought positive news to the East Timoriens with the announcement of plans to establish Sailability Timor. Media release by Di Pearson at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0519b.htm

May 5 - Paraplegic sailor, Danny McCoy from Canada, skippers an Etchells against top international sailors in Bermuda. His seat on the boat slides from side to side and a canting system, operated by a crewmember using a rope, enables McCoy to tilt with the boat. A restructured steering system allows him to sail the boat using a modified 'joy-stick' in front of his seat, rather than a regular tiller. Story by James Whittaker from The Bermuda Sun at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0505a.htm

April 2 - A new inflatable Zodiac, donated to Sailability Pittwater by Sydney Powerboat Centre, has been officially launched. It is powered by a 4 HP Mercury motor donated by Enterprise Marine. The safety and support craft is named the “John L Gordon”, in honour of  volunteer, coach and safety boat man, who has been involved with Sailability since it’s inception 10 years ago.

Mar 31 - IdeaArgo an Italian based organization will be launching an unique challenge for the 2010 America's Cup. An international crew of athletes with a disability will take on the challenge and the team is already being assembled from around the world.  http://www.ideaargo.org

Mar 29 - The inaugural Sailability Port Stephens Cup sailed on Grahamstown Dam could become an annual regional event. Media release by Graeme Adam at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0329.htm 

Feb 19 - The first 2 professionally built harryproas have been launched. The 15m/50ft long multihulls weigh 2 and 3 tonnes respectively. The light boat is Blind Date, built to take blind people sailing in Holland and the heavy one is Rare Bird, built by Harryproa in Australia. Both boats have full cruising interiors, covered cockpits for 8 people and 2 huge large double bunks. Media release with links to photos at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0219c.htm

Feb 11 - A cheque for $31,500 was handed over to Sailability Victoria for the development of sailing opportunities for people of all abilities and ages. The donation is due to the generosity of bidders at an auction conducted at the Volvo Ocean Race Leg 2 prize-giving dinner. Media release by Graeme Adam at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0212f.htm

Feb 3 - Serge Jorgensen, IFDS President, makes a statement on the classification system used for Disabled Sailing at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0203a.htm

Jan 29 - Access Class Australian and International Championships, Melbourne Docklands. A number of rookies put on a good showing, with some achieving championship status. In the final wrap-up, honours went to entrants from five states and an international competitor. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0127c.htm

Jan 27 - Federal Minister for Sport, Rod Kemp, launches a new Australian-designed yacht, the SKUD18, for the 2008 Paralympics and opened the largest regatta in Australia for sailors with disabilities at Melbourne Docklands. Media release by Graeme Adam at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0127b.htm

Jan 25 - Alcoa IFDS World Disabled Sailing Championships, Perth. Britain's John Robertson, Hannah Stodel and Stephen Thomas won the Sonar class, and German skipper Heiko Kroeger the 2.4 Metre class. Australia qualified for the Beijing Paralympics in both sailing classes with Jamie Dunross and his crew finishing fourth in the Sonars, and Aaron Hill 10th in the 2.4 Metres. Media releases by John Roberson at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0118b.htm

Jan 22 - Disability no barrier for Alison as she competes against able-bodied Morgan and Louisa in Access Class Championships. Graeme Adam previews the event at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0122.htm

Jan 18 - Alcoa IFDS World Disabled Sailing Championships, Perth. Australian Paralympic gold medallist Jamie Dunross' crew member Jeff Milligan, who sailed with Jamie at the Athens Paralympics in 2004, has been de-classified as disabled, the day before the start. Despite having lost his right foot, a change to the disabled classification rules since the Paralympics, has made him ineligible to compete. Substitute crew Graeme Martin was on Noel Robins' gold medal winning crew with Jamie, at the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney, he has not sailed competitively since. Media release by John Roberson at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0118b.htm

Jan 16 - The Alcoa IFDS World Championship, Royal Perth Yacht Club. Racing is scheduled to start January 19 in the first qualifying event for the 2008 Paralympic Games. http://www.2006ifdsworlds.com.au/

Jan 13 - Sailors with and without disabilities prepare to do battle in international championship at Volvo Ocean Race Stopover. Media release by Graeme Adam at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0113b.htm

Jan 11 - Nick Scandone and Sally Barkow were named US Sailing's 2005 Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year. Scandone, a sufferer of ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Schlerosis) was recognized for his win of the 2.4 Metre World Championship. Barkow won a string of international events, including two world championships, in four different keelboat classes. http://www.ussailing.org/awards/rolex

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