Sailability Auckland has been encouraging and increasing the participation of people with disabilities in sailing since 1991.
With a mission “to provide children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities the opportunity to sail in safety and to experience adventure and freedom”, Sailability Auckland hopes to build mobility, self-confidence and pride through achievement in its sailing programmes.
The programmes on offer provide opportunities for all levels of experience; not only for the first-time sailor but also to those competing at Paralympic and World Championship level. Sailability Auckland actively promotes sailing as a premier sporting opportunity for people with disabilities in New Zealand, and consequently accommodates people with minimal disability through to those with very high needs.
Over the years, participants have been enabled to compete in meaningful competitions locally, domestically and internationally while at the same time, the organisation caters to a number of social sailors who benefit from the freedom and enjoyment that sailing gives them. All sessions are run by Yachting New Zealand accredited instructors and are tailored to the needs of each disability group.
“With funding from Foundation North we have been able to employ qualified coaches and deliver the best possible sailing experience to our new and existing sailors. The funding has also enabled us to pay the rent on our secure boat storage compound. Without the support of Foundation North, delivering quality sailing programmes would be much more difficult.”
-Tim Dempsey, Sailing Coordinator at Sailability Auckland
