Sailors with significant disabilities have discovered an opportunity to race in the International SB20 Class because of amended class rules.

A door has been opened for sailors such as 2.4mR silver medallist Matt Bugg to sail in the SB20 because of the new class rule C7.3(i). The rule states: “Sailors with significant physical disabilities may apply to the technical committee, through the Class Measurer, for a written dispensation to allow specific adaptations to be fitted to the boat”.

So Bugg did just that and made a specific adaptation, a seat that sits on tracks running athwartship, that enables him to work around his paraplegia and helm the SB20 in one of Australia’s toughest sports boat fleets. The seat moves to port or starboard using a simple electric powered motor with control buttons on the tiller extension.

Bugg and his crew said the arrangement is a mild disadvantage to windward because he cannot shift his weight forward or aft. Though Bugg did comment that he'd like to solve that problem too. Downwind in windier conditions, the crew just sits behind the helmsman achieving the same weight distribution as any other crew.

Credit must be given to the International SB20 Class Association for making such a sensible and inclusive rule change. Changes to any class rules, let alone an International Class with an approval process that includes World Sailing, can be complex and time consuming. But in this case, they just got it done for all the right reasons. The possibilities for sailors like Bugg to participate on the same start line as anyone else is a terrific opportunity not just for them, but growth of the class.

The SB20 Class Rules are on the World Sailing website here.

By Glen Stanaway