Disabled Sailing Association
Dayana Moreno
The Disabled Sailing Association is an independent, charitable society dedicated
to enriching the lives of people with significant disabilities through recreational
and competitive sailing.
The organization essentially began through the efforts of Sam Sullivan. According
to their website, www.reachdisability.org/dsa,
“At Expo '86, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher donated a British-made
Sunbird sailboat to Rick Hansen in honour of his “Man in Motion” world
tour. In 1988, Rick presented the boat to Sam Sullivan, who subsequently used it
to help found the Disabled Sailing Association of BC (DSA). Within a few short years,
DSA had a total of 16 specially adapted Sunbird sailboats in three British Columbia
Chapters -- Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna.”
According to David Ostro, funds development manager for DSA BC says, “(Sam)
accepted the Sunbird and the challenge. That one boat started it all and it didn’t
take long for the program to expand.”
The program provides opportunities for recreational and competitive sailing as well
as instruction for first-time sailors. “Sam’s philosophy is that people
need opportunities to enjoy life,” he says.
This is largely possible through the development of the Martin 16. Don Martin created
the Martin 16, a boat designed to adapt more to people with special needs. “People
who can’t use their hands, can still use this boat. It is specially designed.
It is virtually unsinkable and untippable,” says Eaton. Designed and built
in Vancouver, the Martin 16 is becoming the standard for disabled sailors everywhere.
Their website states, “Our core program is outfitted for a variety of disabilities
and sailing skill levels. With the Sip n' Puff control system and the Martin 16
sailboat even high quadriplegics--those with no movement below the neck--can sail.”
“Our objective is to provide programs and services that promote active, healthier
lifestyles and a greater independence for our participants,” says Ostro. Based
on their objective, it seems to be working. “Three of our members got the
bronze medal in Sydney,” he says.
According to Ostro the program is heavily volunteer driven. “We have very
dedicated and caring volunteers. They help board, accompany and teach participants
how to sail. They are very important”
There are about 300 participants and 80 volunteers right now.
Events such as the upcoming Mobility Cup already have 200 volunteers signed up to
help during the five day event. The Mobility Cup is Canada's annual International
Regatta for sailors with disabilities. This year’s event will be held Sept.
11 – 15, 2006, in Vancouver, B.C. It is hosted by the Disabled Sailing Association
of BC and the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club.
And while the organization also counts on donations and grants from sources throughout
the community, they also have a unique initiative in place to help raise funds to
keep the program running.
One example is the Boat Donation Program “When people have a boat they no
longer want or need, they donate it to us and we turn around and sell the boat and
use the proceeds to fund out program,” says Ostro.
Aside from the feeling of goodwill, donors receive recognition in a variety of ways:
their names or logos are displayed on the Martin 16 Sailboats, as well as on signage
and all donors are mentioned by name on all DSA correspondence and publications.
The Disabled Sailing Association has changed the lives of many people since its
inception by providing its participants with their very own taste of the open waters.
With added support from the community, volunteers and donors, the DSA will continue
to expand and further enrich the lives of those who need it.
