ACCESSIBLE SAILING
For persons with a disability, the sense of freedom and independence associated with sailing is unrivaled. Sailing is one activity where, because of adaptive technology, even people with severe physical limitations can participate equally with able-bodied persons.
OVERVIEW
Sailing enables those with disabilities to enrich their lives and build confidence in a way no other similar activity can. Adaptive sailing programs provide empowerment, motivation, and quality of life for people living with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities.
There are many accessible sailing clubs across Canada that offer recreational and instructional. Visit the AbleSail Network website to learn more.
The CANSail program is based on the long term athlete development model and is designed as a set of progressive learn to sail standards focused on providing sailors with a solid foundation of core skills. CANSail allows sailors to learn and progress in any type of boat and consolidates key skills and solid experiences before adding complex skills. The CANSail Para checklists and rubrics include additional options and adaptations that will help to train and assess the skills of sailors in accessible programs.
THE CANSAIL PARA PROGRAM
The CANSail Program is Sail Canada’s official learn to sail program. It is taught by trained and certified instructors and its curriculum is recognized by World Sailing.
CANSail is focused on introducing and developing sailing skills in a hands-on way. Programs progressively introduce and develop the fundamental skills. The CANSail Para Program is tailored to meet different individual’s abilities. The CANSail standards are designed to be flexible so that sailors can work on skills from different levels at the same time and take part in a program that works best for them.
RACING
Many of Canada’s adaptive sailing organizations offer racing programs and their sailors participate in regional regattas as well as the annual Mobility Cup, Canada’s international regatta for sailors with disabilities.
Sailing was introduced as a sport at the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta as a demonstration sport. It became an official paralympic medal sport in 2000. Canada produced a number of medal winners in both the Sonar and 2.4mR fleets. Unfortunately, after the 2016 Paralympics, the International Paralympic committee decided to remove sailing from the Games. World Sailing has developed a “Para Inclusive Strategy 2024-2029” with a goal to see sailing reinstated in the Paralympics. Sail Canada strongly supports this initiative.
STARTING A NEW ADAPTIVE SAILING PROGRAM
Although the idea may seem daunting, there are many resources available, both operational and financial. The AbleSail Network offers support to sailing clubs who want to take on such an initiative.
RESOURCES
- AbleSail Network
- World Sailing Para Inclusive
- World Sailing Accessibility Guide
- Blind Sailing Canada
- Coaching Kids of all Abilities – Jumpstart
- Coaching Athletes who are Deaf/ Hard of Hearing – Sport Manitoba
- The Locker (Coaches Association of Canada)
DELIVERY OF THE CANSAIL PARA PROGRAM
There are many ways to deliver the CANSail program. Sailing clubs or schools may choose to deliver the CANSail program in different formats which include evening, weekend, and full-day programming. The CANSail standards are designed to be flexible so that sailors can work on skills from different levels at the same time and take part in a program that works best for them.
Sailors may progress through CANSail in a daily summer program or on weekends at their local club. Those interested in racing may choose to join a club race team and complete elements of the CANSail program while sailing with their team. There are lots of ways to progress through the CANSail Program, find one that is right for you!
CANSAIL DINGHY INSTRUCTORS
The CANSail program is delivered by current CANSail Instructors who have completed their annual Sail Canada Registration and maintained all their prerequisite certifications.
CANSail Instructors are Trained and Certified following the Coaching Association of Canada, National Coaching Certification Program. Any Instructor or Coach seeking the training to become CANSail accredited should check with their Provincial Sailing Association.
The Sail Canada Accessible Sailing Professional Development Module is available to instructors, coaches as well as volunteers with adaptive sailing programs. This module is delivered through your Provincial Sailing Association. Please reach out to your PSA or programs@sailing.ca for more information.
