Sailing for All Abilities

Sailing for All Abilities

Sailing offers people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds the opportunity to enjoy being on the water, develop new skills and participate in recreational or competitive sailing. Australian Sailing is committed to making the sport welcoming, accessible and inclusive so everyone can experience the benefits of sailing.

Clubs and class associations play an important role in creating environments where people of all abilities feel welcome, can participate in ways that suit their needs and interests, and have opportunities to progress through the sport.

Creating an Accessible & Inclusive Club

Improve physical accessibility

  • Review club facilities, entrances, pathways, toilets, changing rooms, jetties and boat access points to identify potential barriers.
  • Consider accessible parking, clear signage and suitable spaces for people with different mobility requirements.
  • Explore equipment and facility modifications that make it easier for people to access boats and participate safely.
  • Seek feedback from participants when planning facility improvements to ensure changes meet a range of needs.

Adapt activities and equipment

  • Consider different boat types and adaptive sailing equipment to accommodate a range of abilities.
  • Adapt instruction, activities and participation options to suit individual needs, interests and experience levels.
  • Communicate clearly about available facilities, equipment and support before participants arrive.
  • Provide opportunities for people to try sailing in a welcoming, supportive environment without pressure to compete.

Support all officials and volunteers

  • Help coaches, officials and volunteers develop their confidence in supporting sailors of all abilities.
  • Encourage flexible teaching and communication approaches that recognise individual strengths and learning needs.
  • Ensure volunteers understand how to provide assistance respectfully while supporting participants' independence and choice.
  • Encourage coaches, officials and volunteers to undertake relevant inclusion training and build their understanding of accessible sailing practices.

Create opportunties for ongoing participation

  • Promote inclusive learn-to-sail programs, recreational sailing and club activities to people of all abilities.
  • Build connections with local community organisations, schools, support services and other groups to introduce more people to sailing.
  • Provide opportunities for sailors to develop their skills, participate in club racing and progress towards competitive pathways.
  • Regularly seek participant feedback to identify opportunities to improve the sailing experience.

 

Sailability

Sailability programs help people of all abilities experience sailing by providing additional support, dedicated volunteers and, where available, suitable boats and equipment.

Clubs offering Sailability can provide an accessible introduction to the sport, opportunities for social connection and pathways into recreational or competitive sailing. 

View the Sailability page for Participants


State Sailability Organisation

Contact your state or territory Sailability organisation to learn more about existing programs and opportunities to establish or develop a program at your club.

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Resources

Explore the following resources to help your organisation improve accessibility, support participants and develop inclusive sailing opportunities.

Including Autistic Children in Tackers
Social Script for Tackers at the Beach
Social Script for Tackers at an Inland Lake


Further Information

Explore courses and practical resources to help your club improve accessibility, support sailors of all abilities and create inclusive sailing experiences.

Accessiblity Champion Course

Build your confidence and understanding of accessibility to help create more inclusive community sporting environments.

Find out more

Disability Inclusion Resources

Explore practical resources to help your club improve accessibility and support participation for participants of all abilities.

Find out more

Intellectual Disability Factsheet

Learn practical coaching strategies to support athletes with intellectual disability and create positive, inclusive sporting experiences.

Find out more