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.
1988 | The International Handicap Sailing Committee is founded. |
1990 | Para sailing debuts as an exhibition sport at the World Games for the Disabled. |
1996 | The sport appears as a demonstration Para sport at the Atlanta 1996 Paralympic Games. |
2000 | 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. |
2008 | The two-event SKUD18 is introduced into the programme at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. |
2012 | A total of 80 competitors took to the water from 23 countries across the three events at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. |
2016 | Three Para athletes have been selected to represent New Zealand at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. |
2020 | 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.