Inclusion in water sports: "Disability is no longer an issue once you get in the boat"

What does inclusive sailing entail? Just ask Elke Paatz. She practically grew up on a sailboat and has become disabled as the result of a sports accident. Paatz is the contact person for inclusive (adaptive) sailing on behalf of the German Sailing Federation (German: Deutscher Segler Verband), DSV. She assists member clubs with the implementation of inclusive sailing opportunities, answers their questions and helps solve problems - especially when it comes to developing custom inclusion concepts.

Ms. Paatz, how does the DSV help clubs or individuals to implement inclusive sailing opportunities?

Elke Paatz: We offer an array of information and assistance that is constantly growing and evolving. Our website www.dsv.org/inklusion delivers general information and highlights best practices from our member clubs, showing how inclusion in the sport of sailing can be implemented successfully. We already have a flyer but are also working on a comprehensive handbook for DSV member clubs. Our database of clubs that offer inclusive options also enables club representatives to network with other clubs. We also offer various seminars on inclusive sailing and are working on a concept that integrates inclusion in training education programs. Clubs can also contact us by phone, e-mail or at trade fairs to ask questions and receive answers about their specific inclusive sailing concerns.

Individuals can likewise contact the DSV if they have questions about inclusive sailing. Our club database is an important tool, allowing them to search for clubs with inclusive opportunities in their area.

Our exhibit at this year's REHACARE targets both individuals and clubs. We will provide information on the inclusion potential of sailing. At the Boot Düsseldorf 2023, we will host the first “Inclusive Sailing Day” where club representatives, experts, and sailors will get together. There will also be multiple workshops and a panel discussion.

What has the feedback been to your service?

Paatz: We have seen increased demand from clubs as more and more want to offer inclusive sailing opportunities. We conducted a survey that indicated 50 percent of the surveyed clubs had created inclusive opportunities in the last five years, showing the concept is really gaining momentum.

The feedback from individuals could be greater. Our survey has also shown that most clubs could give even more people with disabilities access to adaptive sailing. But unfortunately, the target audience is often unaware of these options because they assume their disability stops them from sailing. That's why we think it's so important to be a part of REHACARE 2022 and show that sailing is also possible when you have a disability. We have to meet people where they are and approach them more frequently in schools, workshops, and daycare facilities.

Do clubs need special boats to facilitate inclusive sailing?

Paatz: Every boat can facilitate adaptive sailing – whether it’s the Optimist dinghy 7’8” (2.3 m) monohull sailboat or a large sailing yacht. Clubs don’t have to purchase new dinghies or yachts, because it often only takes some simple modifications and adaptations to the existing boats to enable people with disabilities to sail. It’s key to consider the special needs of the individual and determine the support and adaptions he/she requires. While some clubs have already made various modifications, sailors might still require different adaptations to meet their needs.

Sailing competitions feature special racing vessels for sailors with disabilities, such as the 2.4mR one-person keelboat or the SV14 dinghy. But people with disabilities can also sail regattas in “normal” boats. The German Paralympic sailor Heiko Kröger is a great example of this: he won multiple medals at the elite level in his Olympic Laser dinghy – using only one arm. It always takes courageous leaders, and fortunately there are more and more of them sailing different classes of boats.

What are the biggest challenges for people with disabilities when it comes to sailing?

Paatz: It's difficult to make a blanket statement about challenges because different people have different needs. Someone who is blind faces entirely different challenges than someone who uses a wheelchair, for example.

What’s more, the challenges people with physical disabilities face in daily life – think stairs, going shopping, asking for help – are far greater than those they face sailing. In our sport, almost every physical limitation can be offset by making adaptations to the boats. Even someone with severe paraplegia can learn to sail a boat independently! The disability is no longer an issue once you get in the boat, take off, and sail away.