Sailors with disabilities in Toronto have been working hard for the summer season and are now gearing up for a country-wide tournament.
In 2018, Able Sail Toronto founder Karen-Ann Xavier and a few other Torontonians with disabilities created the sailing club to provide more recreational opportunities to people with physical limitations.
Sailing is one of the most accessible sports for people who have physical disabilities with the added bonus of connecting people to nature, Xavier told Now Toronto.
In 2019, Able Sail Toronto became an official charity that began with 16 participants and two sailboats.
Despite many of the patients having a range of physical limitations, such as paraplegia, limb amputations, brain injuries, effects of stroke, multiple sclerosis, and even ALS, the organization has a variety of tools to help cater to everyone’s needs.
“We use adaptive sailboats and assistive technology to support the needs of the participant. We assess every individual to determine what their needs are, and then we work to accommodate and customize additional adaptations for independent sailing.
Able Sail has been growing 40 to 50 per cent every year and this year there are 79 participants with four sailboats, according to Xavier.
This summer, sailors of all ages and abilities have gathered at the National Yacht Club directly across Centre Island to set sail at least once a week for a little over an hour. Sailors then learn from staff how to navigate the wind, feeling comfortable near water, and gaining confidence as an athlete.
“Our goal is to transform lives, create opportunities of freedom and independence, and have a positive effect on personal and social lives, we want to create an environment where people can sail independently without barriers,” Xavier said.
Last year, Able Sail Toronto hosted the Mobility Cup, Canada’s annual regatta for sailors with disabilities.
“The event is open to anyone with a significant disability – regardless of their sailing experience. Each year approximately 50 sailors compete in the Gold or Silver fleets, depending on their skill level,” Xavier explained.
Five participants from Toronto have been selected to head to Lunenburg, Nova Scotia to compete in this year’s tournament from Aug. 26 to 30.
“We’ll be shipping two Martin 16 sailboats with the support of CN. The sailboats are being tuned in preparation, the athletes are receiving one-on-one coaching, and we have a regatta this weekend,” Xavier said.
The John Farrell Regatta at the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club this weekend is open for the public to attend from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on both Saturday, Aug. 10 and Sunday, Aug. 11.
Able Sail Toronto is also hiring for next year’s summer positions for sailing instructors, race coaches, and trip captains.
