Sailing for All Abilities

The diverse nature of sailing offers a unique opportunity for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to enjoy getting on the water:

using a wide range of equipment types
as an individual or sailing with others as part of a team
in competition across a variety of disciplines at a local to international level
enjoying the social atmosphere of a community club
learning new skills
appreciating the physical and mental health benefits that sailing provides

Anyone can sail!

People with a broad range of physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities can enjoy sailing:

as a recreation and therapy through Sailability
learning the basic skills to be able to sail for recreation or competition through a Discover Sailing Learn to Sail Program
learning the skills informally and participate in friendly club competition through Clubs with SailPass
developing the racing skills to compete in open, inclusive events at a State, National or International level through a Discover Sailing Learn to Race Program

Click here to view the Para Sailing Pathway.

Where do I start?

There are a number of ways you can get started on your sailing pathway:

About Sailability

Sailability is a program at some sailing clubs that offers an additional level of support, an established network of volunteers and equipment to assist people of all abilities to get into sailing. It is an international program first introduced to Australia in the 1990’s, which has grown to being available in every State and Territory.

Here are some of the ways sailing is inclusive:

Different types of boat provided by clubs including the Hansa Class that are easy to sail
Instructors who can adapt their teaching methods to suit individuals of all abilities
Equipment to assist those with limited mobility to get into and out of boats
Modified docking areas that are accessible
Affordable options to participate
The Sailing Pathway for people of all abilities to progress through

Each club offering a Sailability program has a Sailability Coordinator who is a point of contact for people who want to find out more. They are supported by a team of volunteers who are passionate about welcoming people of all abilities to sailing.

Sailing Pathway -

Sailability is one of the programs that can provide people of all abilities the opportunity to reach their potential by offering a progressive pathway with incremental levels of achievement in the sport. People can discover their own Sailing Pathway through:

Learning the basic skills through a Sailability or inclusive Discover Sailing program
Sailing with experienced sailors in a variety of suitable craft
Participating in inclusive club competitions
Obtaining formal and informal coaching
Competing in inclusive competitions (State, National and International)
Competing in disability specific competitions (National and International)

To find Sailability programs/clubs in your state click the relevant website below:

Accessibility Champion Course

The Accessibility Champion Course is designed to introduce the principles of accessibility to community sporting clubs, paving the way for increased participation for people with disability. The course provides a foundational understanding of disability, designed to increase confidence to talk about disability and include people with disability in local clubs, programs and activities.

Resources (Facility Improvements):

Other Resources: