Sailing for people with significant physical disabilities got its start in Canada in 1989, when Sam Sullivan used a British-made Sunbird dinghy to launch the first few sails at the Jericho Sailing Centre on English Bay.
The original Sunbird had been presented to Rick Hansen by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during Expo ‘86 in Vancouver to mark the end of his ‘Man in Motion’ world tour.
During that first summer, sailors with quadriplegia, paraplegia and other significant physical disabilities logged a total of 22 sails. These were pioneers – for the first time these individuals were able to leave their wheelchairs behind and take up a sport independently. No other activities offer this level of freedom. Disabled sailing caught on quickly.
Inspired by DSA-BC and Sam Sullivan’s efforts to expose more and more people with very high levels of physical disabilities to the sport, adaptive sailing has now spread across Canada, throughout the US and around the world. Disabled sailing now plays a major role in the Summer Paralympics every four years.
Who Sails?
Participants range from complete novices to experienced racers – sailing instruction is available, although not mandatory. Some come along for a sunny afternoon leisure activity, others are regular faces. DSA-BC offers sailing experiences to children aged eight and up. Sailing is now one of the fastest-growing sports for people with disabilities.
Our Program: CFSA has very generously hosted DSA Victoria since 1993. The sailing program is for any person with any diagnosed disability. We have had children as young as 7 yrs to seniors in their 80’s register.
To register for the Sailing Program call 250-477-6314.
We usually have a registration week late May, but if you miss this specified time give us a call to make alternative plans.
We have an Econo Lift System™ mounted on the dock to assist people with mobility and agility difficulties into the boats when necessary
Our sailing sessions are 2 hours long and the fee is $15 for the first 5 sails and then $10. for all subsequent sails. The Disabled Sailing Association of BC, Victoria Branch (DSA Victoria) offers three program options for interested sailors …
Recreational Sails: For the pure enjoyment of spending time on the water, feeling the wind against your face and the sun on your back! Sailors will sail one-on-one with a certified sailing instructor who will develop a program tailored to each individual person’s needs and goals. Recreational sailors, after mastering a standard level of boat handling skill and safety awareness, may sail independently. Independent sailors are welcomed to have family and friends accompany them on the water!
CYA Certification Sails: Instruction by a certified sailing instructor with the goal of attaining Canadian Yachting Association certification. Lessons will include practical time on the water and in class theory. Students will be encouraged to use all resource materials available to study concepts learned during lessons on their own time. Certification is based on national standards of performance and a short exam accompanies each level. When possible, lessons will include other sailors working at the same level. There is no time limit for certification and instructors will pace lessons to each individual student’s abilities and goals.
Racing: Along with the International Mobility Cup Regatta in August, DSABC, Victoria offers a member run summer race series held Monday nights between June and August. More about information these programs will become available as the season approaches.
Our Boats:
DSA Victoria’s instructional fleet includes the Martin 16 a boat designed in Vancouver and now manufactured in Ontario, and the Access Dinghy a boat designed and manufactured in Australia. Both of these boats have weighted keels to prevent them from capsizing.
Martin 16: 
DSA consulted with world renowned yacht designer/builder Don Martin and together they designed the Martin 16. It is the first high performance sailboat designed and built specifically for people with disabilities. DSA has since used the Martin to establish an international integrated racing fleet; it is sailed exclusively in the International Mobility Cup Regatta.
Access Dinghy: 
Designed in Australia, the Access Dinghy is a lightweight, portable sailboat that allows student and instructor to sit side by side. The greatest advantage of this design is that its sails may be furled on the water, reducing sail area, to allow a comfortable sail even in heavier winds.
Sonar: Sailors with disabilities adopted the Sonar years ago as their premier boat for international and Paralympic racing. 
Sailors with disabilities find the boat’s crew -friendly configuration allows them to sail efficiently and safely while at the same time giving them the performance and excitement enjoyed by their non-disabled friends. We are one of the few clubs in the Canada that have this competitive boat in their fleet
