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Para Sailing

Para sailing is the sport of sailing designed for those with physical, motor or visual impairments. The Para sailors compete in one-person, two-person or three-person boats and all competitions are mixed (open to any gender).

Para sailing is not currently on the Paralympic Games programme. However, it is an IPC-recognised Para sport, and it may return to the Paralympics in future.

  • The International Handicap Sailing Committee is founded.

  • Para sailing debuts as an exhibition sport at the World Games for the Disabled.

  • The sport appears as a demonstration Para sport at the Atlanta 1996 Paralympic Games.

  • Para sailing makes its debut as a full medal Para sport at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games with the one-person 2.4mR and three-person Sonar events.

  • The two-event SKUD18 is introduced into the programme at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

  • A total of 80 competitors took to the water from 23 countries across the three events at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

  • Three Para athletes have been selected to represent New Zealand at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

  • Para sailing not included in Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Classification in Para sailing

The Para sailors are all classified with a sport class from 1 to 7, with 7 indicating the least severe impairment and one the most severe eligible impairment. Each crew in the three-person event cannot exceed 14pts.

Para sailing in New Zealand

Para sailing is currently delivered widely at a regional level. Register your interest with PNZ now and we will help you to find a Para sport for you in your local area!

For more information on Para sailing, visit the Para World Sailing website (opens a new tab).

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