Welcome to US Sailing’s home for adaptive sailing
Adaptive sailing refers to programs that provide unrestricted access to the water and experiential sailing for persons with disabilities.
Find a Great Place to Sail
Develop an Adaptive Sailing Program
There are many advantages to establishing an adaptive sailing program at your sailing club or organization, such as;
- Enhancing your US Sailing Small Boat Level I and US Sailing Basic Keelboat certifications with endorsements
- Making sailing a more accessible sport
- Growing your adaptive sailing program
US Sailing has resources to help you as you learn more about: facility requirements, equipment adaptations, staff training tips, recruitment, resources, and funding.
If you have specific questions regarding program development, please contact adaptive@ussailing.org.
Use the Adaptive Sailing Resource Manual to guide you as you develop an adaptive sailing program or expand upon an existing one.
Establish adaptive sports programs for youth with disabilities
Become an Adaptive Sailing Instructor
Are you looking to get involved instructing sailors with disabilities? Then the Adaptive Instructor Course is for you. In order to receive the Adaptive Instructor Endorsement, you must be a current US Sailing Small Boat Level 1 Instructor or Basic Keelboat Instructor. Check the event calendar below to find a scheduled Adaptive Sailing Instructors Course. If you can't find one and have six Instructors interested, please contact adaptive@ussailing.org and we can schedule a course at your club.
Learn More about Para-Classifications for Sailors
Para-Classification is a process that quantifies a sailor's level of disability. Para-Classification ratings for sailing range from 1 (Severely Disabled) to 7 (Minimally Disabled). It establishes their eligibility to compete in certain major events like national and world championships including the Para World Sailing Championships. In the United States, not all events require Para-Classification to participate. Opportunities to get classified are offered throughout the year.
Connect with Programs, Resources, and Awards
Find a great place to sail, learn about adaptive programs, and nominate a sailor for the Gay S. Lynn Memorial Trophy or a program for the Robie Pierce Award; both are the highest awards presented by the Para Sailing Committee.
If you would like to host an Adaptive Course or post an event, contact: adaptive@ussailing.org
Creating Inclusive Environments for Athletes with Disabilities - U.S. Center for SafeSport Podcast Series
The U.S. Center for SafeSport is a nonprofit dedicated to ending abuse in sport. Whether you are a parent, coach, or athlete, the Center's monthly podcasts include valuable information that fits your needs. Click here to listen
