Yachting New Zealand has recently formed a committee for sailors with disabilities to ensure that all sailors have the opportunity to participate in the sport and compete internationally. This committee will be charged with responsibility for both sailors with physical disabilities and blind sailors. It incorporates the interests of both SailAbility and the Blind Sailing Association. Both of these organisations however maintain their independence and the purpose of the committee is to add value, where Yachting New Zealand is able to do so, to the programmes these organisations already have in place.
Blind Sailing
Blind sailing in New Zealand has been active for the last 20 years.Most commonly, the visually impaired sail keel boats in the 20 - 40ft range with limited assistance from sighted crew. They are encouraged to involve themselves in all aspects of sailing a boat, from helming and trimming through to activities like anchoring and cooking while cruising.
Blind sailing is most active in the upper North Island, both competitively and socially. Groups sail regularly in Auckland, Rotorua, Tauranga, Taranaki and the Bay of Islands. Annually, there is a 2-3 day sailing school, designed both to introduce newcomers to sailing and to further develop the skills and experience of people returning for more. There is also a national championships for those with a competitive streak and the opportunity to compete internationally.
New Zealand was particularly proud to be host for the 2009 World Blind Sailing Championships 12-21 March 2009 at Rotorua www.2009worldblindsailingnz.com.
SailAbility
SailAbility in New Zealand provides opportunities for physically disabled young people & adults to learn to sail, or just to experience being on a sailing boat. Originally set up by Dr Peter Cairney in 1991 as 'Sailing For The Disabled Trust’, SailAbility NZ is part of a worldwide movement. Their aim is to provide people with disabilities the opportunity to sail in safety and to experience adventure and freedom - building mobility, self confidence and pride through achievement.
Between the two established SailAbility Branches in Auckland and Wellington, and a few other private owners, there are many boats sailed that are designed specifically for the use of people with disabilities. These include the Paralympic Class SKUD 18 and international 2.4. Additionally, NZ has a wide range of ’Access’ Dinghies including the Access Liberty, 2.3 and 303.
New Zealand hosted the combined International Association for Disabled Sailing (IFDS) Single Person Dinghy World Championship and Access Liberty World Championship in Auckland, 25 January - 1 February 2009.
Contacts
Contacts for the various providers of sailing for people with disabilities are below:
Sailability Auckland
Brendan Tourelle
Ph 027 305 1835
Email btourelle@gmail.com
website www.sailabilityauckland.org.nz
Sailability Wellington
Ph (04) 472 4546 leaving your details on call minder
Email sailabilitywgtn@xtra.co.nz
Website www.sailability-wellington.org.nz
Blind Sailing Association of New Zealand
Dick Lancaster- Ph (07) 896 6484
Email info@sailingblind.org.nz
Website www.sailingblind.org.nz
Sailability Nelson/ Marlborough
c/- Don Martin
Email SportOpportunity@nel.sporttasman.org.nz
SailAbility Christchurch
c/- Chris Wornall
Email cwornall@xtra.co.nz
Links of Interest
IFD – International Association for Disabled Sailing
http://www.sailing.org/ifds.php
Paralympics New Zealand
http://www.paralympics.org.nz
The Halberg Trust
http://www.halberg.co.nz/Success+Stories/Sporting+Opportunities+For+Disabled.html
The Disabled Sailors Association (UK)
http://www.disabledsailing.org