Sailing takes many forms; you can cruise, race or simply potter around ­ in all kinds of boats, on the sea or on inland water. You can do it alone or in company, and you don't have to be able to swim!

Starting or Returning to Sailing? You may have sailed before you became disabled, or you may have participated in other sports for people with disabilities. One newly disabled woman with no experience in sport said 'I decided to be positive and took up fishing, pony driving, swimming and sailing. Sailing's my favourite!'

Another sailor said 'I've wasted 20 years of my life; I gave up sailing after becoming disabled. I was sailing at national level and thought I could never be good enough again. I hope others will not make the same mistake.' He has now found the right boats and with a little help, is enjoying all aspects of sailing, including open international competition.

Many sailors speak of feeling much less disabled and more self-sufficient when afloat: 'I can be my own man'.

Further information can be found here. The was established in conjunction with US Sailing. The body of work grew from the original Disabled Sailing Manual from IFDS and contributions to that by Pauline Harrison, Ian Harrison, Jackie Kay, Phil Vardy and other IFDS volunteers.

Information for the current Manual was compiled/written by Debra Frenkel, LCSW and Betsy Alison, Paralympic Coach for US Sailig with thanks and gratitude to all of those who have contributed to the contents including: IFDS, Sailability Australia, Sailability Rutland, Gowrie Group, local organizations, other agencies and individuals. This work has been completed because of the many volunteers and participants connected to adaptive sailing.

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