Disabled Sailing Association of BC, Victoria Branch: A Program of Possibilities

DSABC

June 7, 2017

The Disabled Sailing Association of British Columbia,Victoria Branch (DSA Victoria) is a sailing program for individuals with disabilities in the Capital Regional District. During the summer months, the program provides Learn to Sail, Learn to Race and recreational sailing opportunities to people of all ages and abilities. During the course of a summer period, our instructors and volunteers conduct over 500 sails!

DSA has been graciously hosted at the Canadian Forces Sailing Association, Esquimalt Squadron (CFSA) for over 20 years now, and remain s a strong partner to this day. DSA maintains a small fleet of adapted sailboats which are specially-equipped for sailors with even the most severe of disabilities. Included in this fleet are x2 Sonars, x4 Access 303 sailing dinghies, and x4 Martin 16s, which can be sailed using electric controls or Sip’n Puff system, allowing a person with a high spinal cord injury the opportunity to sail independently using their mouth.

Disabled SailingPrograms like this serve a population who often face barriers in accessing leisure and recreation, social services, meaningful employment and more. Individuals who sail with DSA have told ussaid that they experience increased social connectedness by meeting new people and making new friends, increased self-confidence by being challenged to try something new and learn new skills, positive health benefits from being engaged in regular physical activity, and a profound sense of freedom and adventure.

Sailors also have the ability to pursue racing and compete in an annual Regatta at the end of the summer called Mobility Cup, which is a Martin16 Regatta for new and competitive racers. This year’s Mobility Cup will be hosted in Kelowna.

We welcome new sailors and volunteers to our program! To learn more about our program, visit www.dsavictoria.org and follow us on our social media pages!

Lorraine Carolyn PippaDisabled Sailing Association of British Columbia, Victoria Branch is seeking Experienced Companion Sailors

We are seeking experienced sailors with day-time availabilities in July & August to help with sails. Volunteers allow us to increase the number of sailing opportunities offered to our community. As a volunteer companion sailor for DSA Victoria, you could be an independent companion sailor, crewing for a group sail, operating the safety boat, helping with rigging and derigging, assisting sailors with lifejackets and transfers, and much more.

These enriching experiences are a great way to meet new people, share your love of sailing with others and spend more time on or near the water in support of a great program! Visit www.rivonline.org/DSA/Volunteer to find out more and contact us early to secure your spot.

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