Issue date
Do you live within the catchment of Nelson Yacht Club? Do you have a disability, and are you keen to try sailing?
New Zealand's oldest yacht club is in for something new in January - accessible sailing.
The Nelson Yacht Club is taking a big step forward as have more than ten clubs already around New Zealand, to make the most of some adaptive equipment for people of all abilities to get into the sport of sailing.
Key Information
Where: Nelson Yacht Club, Wakefield Quay
Who: Disabled People of all ages
When: Sunday, 26 January 2014
Time: 10am to 2pm
Contact John MacDuff 027 424 5112 maduff@tasman.net
Thinking about giving it a go but have some questions?
I have a disability- How can I go sailing?
Sailing is a sport that can be made possible for anybody. For people with a physical disability, boats can be modified to meet the individual needs of the sailor, whether that be with an electronic servo system (similar to using a power wheelchair) or just the standard accessible dinghies with centreline seats and joystick steering. If you can’t get yourself into the boat, there are lifting systems that can help you in and out. Even the blind sailors have a developed system of communication on board the boats, and can use buoys with sound signals to let sailors know their location on the water.
Are there opportunities to race and participate in Regattas?
Yes. Once you have completed learn to sail and have the basic skills of steering and controlling the sails, you can start to enter regattas. There are a handful of events in NZ each year, and many more opportunities overseas as you progress. Sailing is in the Paralympics too, in three different types of boats.
Can the boats flip?
No. The ‘Hansa’ dinghies used in most NZ Sailability learn to sail courses, and Paralympic types of boats are made so that they cannot flip. This is done by placing lead in the centreboard or keel, so that no matter how hard the wind blows, the boat can’t tip over. More information about the boats can be found on the equipment page.
What other safety measures are in place?
When sailing, participants must wear a life jacket/ PFD and be supervised by a safety power boat on the water too. Each accessible sailing programme will organize to have an YNZ qualified instructor or coach, and a first aid officer on site. Weather conditions are always closely observed, if it is too windy sailing will be cancelled.
How can I get involved?
That's the easy party! Just contact John MacDuff at the Nelson Yacht Club and sign up for Sailing on Sunday 26 January 2014.
