Sailing

Sailing for All Abilities, opens in a new tab, Australian Sailing, (accessed 30 July 2025). The diverse nature of sailing offers a unique opportunity for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to enjoy getting on the water. 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.

• 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.

Guide for Instructors teaching children with autism, opens in a new tab, Australian Sailing, (2023). Australian Sailing and Sailability Victoria worked with AMAZE, the peak body for Autism, to produce a number of resources for clubs, instructors and volunteers to help ensure children with autism have a quality experience when they first try sailing. Social scripts for parents of children with autism for Tackers at the Beach, opens in a new tab and Tackers at an inland lake, opens in a new tab.

Making Waves Foundation, opens in a new tab is an Australian registered not-for-profit charitable organisation. They provide on-water experiences for young people with disabilities or young adults experiencing disadvantage. Programs include :

• Winds of Joy. Provides an opportunity for young people with disability to sail a large racing yacht that has been modified to ensure easy accessibility and accommodate wheelchair users.
• Winds of Change. Created for young people displaying challenging behaviours, diverse learning abilities.
• Winds of Care. Provides carers with a half day of respite, relaxation, networking, and celebration of the invaluable care that they provide. It is offered as a 2-3 hour sail on Sydney Harbour on a Saturday or Sunday. The time is negotiable and subject to availability.

International

Para Inclusive Strategy 2024-2029, opens in a new tab, World Sailing, (June 2024). World Sailing is targeting a return to the Paralympic Games after publishing its first Para Inclusive Strategy which will guide the growth of the sport through to 2029.