HISTORY:

When Margaret Thatcher presented Rick Hansen with a British made Sunbird sailboat in honor of his Man in Motion tour at Expo ‘86. She did not know at the time that her gift would open up the world of sailing to people with disabilities across the Canada.

Three years later, Rick Hansen asked Sam Sullivan to use this specially adapted boat to start a sailing program for people with disabilities. This led to the birth of the Disabled Sailing Association of British Columbia (DSABC), the first sailing association for people with a disability in Canada. Within a few short years, DSA had a total of sixteen (16) specially adapted Sunbird sailboats in three British Columbia chapters- Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna and now boasts chapters across Canada.

Since it's inception in 1992 the Victoria Branch of the Disabled Sailing Association has provided children and adults on the island with thousands of sailing experiences and attracted over 100 volunteers. We are dedicated to providing people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in recreational and competitive sailing.

OUR PROGRAM:
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Our sailing program operates out of the Canadian Forces Sailing Association (CFSA) at 1001 Maple Bank Road. CFSA has very generously hosted DSA Victoria since 1993.

The sailing program is for any person with any diagnosed disability. We have had children as young as 7yrs to seniors in their 80’s register.
To register for the Sailing Program you can call our office at (250) 477-6314. We usually have a registration week late May, but if you miss this specified time give us a call to make alternative plans.

We have an Econo Lift System™ mounted on the dock to assist people with mobility and agility difficulties into the boats when necessary

Our sailing sessions are 2 hours long and the fee is $15 for the first 5 sails and then $10. for all subsequent sails.

The Disabled Sailing Association of BC, Victoria Branch (DSA Victoria) offers three program options for interested sailors-

Recreational Sails- For the pure enjoyment of spending time on the water, feeling the wind against your face and the sun on your back! Sailors will sail one-on-one with a certified sailing instructor who will develop a program tailored to each individual person’s needs and goals. Recreational sailors, after mastering a standard level of boat handling skill and safety awareness, may sail independently. Independent sailors are welcomed to have family and friends accompany them on the water!

CYA Certification Sails- Instruction by a certified sailing instructor with the goal of attaining Canadian Yachting Association certification. Lessons will include practical time on the water and in class theory. Students will be encouraged to use all resource materials available to study concepts learned during lessons on their own time. Certification is based on national standards of performance and a short exam accompanies each level. When possible, lessons will include other sailors working at the same level. There is no time limit for certification and instructors will pace lessons to each individual student’s abilities and goals.

Racing

Along with the International Mobility Cup Regatta in August, DSABC, Victoria offers a member run summer race series held Monday nights between June and August. More about information these programs will become available as the season approaches.

Sailors may change from one program to another at any time simply by speaking with their instructor.

OUR BOATS:

DSA Victoria’s instructional fleet includes the Martin 16 a boat designed in Vancouver and now manufactured in Ontario, and the Access Dinghy a boat designed and manufactured in Australia. Both of these boats have weighted keels to prevent them from capsizing.

Martin 16

A breakthrough came in 1993 when Sip N' Puff controls were added to one of the Sunbirds. This permitted solo sailing by "high quads"- those with no function from the neck down- through mouth controls. Although it was functional, the equipment and safety modifications required affected the performance of the boat. This prompted DSA to research alternatives to the Sunbird. DSA consulted with world renowned yacht designer/builder Don Martin and together they designed the Martin 16. It is the first high performance sailboat designed and built specifically for people with disabilities. DSA has since used the Martin to establish an international integrated racing fleet; it is sailed exclusively in the International Mobility Cup Regatta.

Dad and Daughter out for a Cruise in the M16

Access Dinghy

Designed in Australia, the Access Dinghy is a lightweight, portable sailboat that allows student and instructor to sit side by side. The greatest advantage of this design is that its sails may be furled on the water, reducing sail area, to allow a comfortable sail even in heavier winds.

Sonar

Sailors with disabilities adopted the Sonar years ago as their premier boat for international and Paralympic racing. Sailors with disabilities find the boat's crew-friendly configuration allows them to sail efficiently and safely while at the same time giving them the performance and excitement enjoyed by their non-disabled friends.

We are one of the few clubs in the Canada that have this competitive boat in their fleet.

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