The International Association for Disabled Sailing (IFDS) is an affiliate member of ISAF and responsible for disabled sailing worldwide. It is administered through the ISAF Secretariat in Southampton, UK.

Whatever your background, sailing is a versatile sport that can accommodate many types of disability. The first step is to find out what is already happening in your area by contacing the Recognized National Authority or Disabled Sports Organization in your country or simply visiting a local sailing club.

Almost any boat can be sailed by people with disabilities although it is clear that some are more suitable than others.

In 1996 sailing was included on the programme of the Paralympic Games as a demonstration event and it has been full medal sport since then. It is one of the only sports in the Paralympic Games in which athletes of any disability compete together.

Find out more about disabled sailing here.