MAKE POSITIVE CHANGES with the DISABLED SAILING ASSOCIATION OF BC

Adaptive sailing is a unique experience. It leaves one’s disability onshore to experience the freedom and exhilaration of enjoying the water independently.

It was during Expo ’86 in Vancouver when then-British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher generously presented Rick Hansen – the founder of Rick Hansen’s Foundation and avid supporter of people with disabilities in Canada – with a British-made Sunbird dinghy to commemorate his Man in Motion World Tour. The act of kindness eventually introduced many new opportunities for sailors and others with disabilities.

Three years later, in 1989, Hansen bestowed the Sunbird to Sam Sullivan, who encouraged those with disabilities to try sailing. As a result, 22 sails were enjoyed that summer and the Disabled Sailing Association of BC (DSABC) was soon launched.

Fast forward to 2021 and the DSABC - located at the Jericho Sailing Centre in Vancouver – now manages eight sailboats – all specially-engineered and designed by acclaimed yacht designer Don Martin. One of his popular designs – the Martin 16 – incorporates a weighted keel to provide easy, convenient, and safe access for those with disabilities.

Additionally, once on board, those with little or no upper-body mobility can man the vessel with what is called “sip ‘n puff technology,” which offers many functions including the setting of sails and steering – all controlled by the sailor’s breath. A joystick system is also available to operate the boat. During a sail, expert volunteers are with the boaters while ‘Annie the Safety Boat’ is nearby at all times as a safety precaution.

Since the launch of the DSABC, boaters of all ages have experienced the exhilaration of the open waters of English Bay, and the association currently provides more than 1,000 sailing sessions during the summer that run from Wednesday to Sunday from May through to August. In its 32nd year, the DSABC is still going strong, demand is still growing, and the DSABC is hoping to expand its operations this season to seven days per week.

The DSABC is supported by community organizations, corporations, and individuals and boat donations are also possible. For instance, its Breeze boat donation program provides boat owners an easy and beneficial alternative to selling a boat. As an example, those who wish to donate their boat can save on all-related selling costs and the donations are, of course, tax-deductible for 100 percent of the boat’s appraised value.

With the DSABC’s partnerships in the Lower Mainland of BC, it’s also ‘a breeze’ to purchase a boat. As another example, an independent professional marine surveyor will establish a fair price, and since the DSABC is a registered charity, GST will not be applied to the final cost.

The DSABC’s Breeze program not only allows the opportunity to offer enlightening experiences on the water but, most importantly, it provides a positive, healthy impact on the lives of those with a physical disability.

For more information about DSABC and the Breeze boat donation program visit www.disabledsailingbc.org or call (778) 945-8824.

CLOCKWSE FROM TOP: The DSABC currently manages eight sailboats – all specially-engineered and designed by acclaimed yacht designer Don Martin. Those with little or no upper-body mobility can man the vessel with the boat’s “sip ‘n puff technology,” which operates the setting of sails and steering. The program is available for all age groups.