Show your support for UK para sailing


Para sailing is one of the most inclusive sports globally, offering disabled sailors a level playing field on the water.


Visitors to this year’s show will have the chance to pledge their support for sailing to be reinstated in the Paralympic Games by adding their messages alongside some of the most accomplished sailors in the world on the Sailability pledge wall.


Sailing featured in the Paralympic Games for 16 years, between the Sydney 2000 and Rio 2016 Games, but was dropped from the programme in 2015. The messages will be part of the official launch of the RYA Para Sailing Hub, a new support network for the para racing community aimed at increasing racing opportunities for disabled people in the UK, and ultimately for sailing to be reinstated in the Games.


RYA Sailability Manager Joff McGill explains, “The hub will be a chance for the sailing community to join forces and commit to increasing opportunities for para sailors at local, national and international level.


“It will bring together sailors of all ages and experiences and will be a place where they can offer support and learn, making it possible to get to the starting line, wherever they want to race.”


Support network


Packed with resources, training opportunities, and advice, the Hub will offer sailors, volunteers, coaches, and supporters a central support structure.


Lucy Hodges, six-time Blind Sailing World Champion, is one of our guest speakers at this year’s show and has pledged her support.


Sailing is a sport I have been able to participate in at all levels. Boat adaptions and communication from my sighted support have enabled me to gain six World titles. I now want to help increase participation to allow sailing to be included at the Paralympics Games again. This hub will allow information to be shared and is a great step forward.


The Para Sailing Hub is championed by the RYA Sailability programme and will build on the success of the #MoreThanSailing campaign, launched in 2018. It aims to break down perceived barriers to participation and provide more opportunities for disabled people to get on the water.


The hub will also provide an opportunity for clubs and classes to unite and demonstrate their united support for World Sailing’s #BackTheBid campaign #SailtoLA.


How to get involved


You can write your own message of support on the Sailability pledge wall and chat to the Sailability team throughout the weekend on stand A40. For more information contact sailability@rya.org.uk


RYA DINGHY & WATERSPORTS SHOW 2022 11


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