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.

1988The International Handicap Sailing Committee is founded.
1990 Para sailing debuts as an exhibition sport at the World Games for the Disabled.
1996The sport appears as a demonstration Para sport at the Atlanta 1996 Paralympic Games.
2000Para 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.
2008The 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.
2016Three Para athletes have been selected to represent New Zealand at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
2020Para 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!

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For more information on Para sailing, visit the Para World Sailing website.