Support Adaptive Sailing in Vancouver

A Gift in Support of Adaptive Sailing

This pendant, crafted by Michael Drechsler Jewelry, was generously donated to the Adaptive Sailing Association of BC (ASABC) by a donor wishing to help ASABC celebrate the Mobility Cup — Canada's largest annual regatta for sailors with disabilities, welcoming athletes from across Canada and around the world. Proceeds from this item support ASABC's mission and programming.

Its guiding belief: Anyone can sail.

Founded in Vancouver by accessibility advocate Sam Sullivan, the event showcases inclusion, community, and the power of adaptive sport. Each year, sailors compete in Martin 16 adaptive sailboats equipped with sip-and-puff, joystick, and custom supports made possible by volunteers and national partners. The 35th-anniversary regatta returns to the city where the event first set sail. Vancouver's adaptive sailing community, volunteers, and long-standing partners will come together to make this a landmark year.

ABOUT ASABC'S SAILING PROGRAMS
ASABC sails from the Jericho Sailing Centre, located at 1300 Discovery Street in Vancouver, BC, using a fleet of adaptive Martin 16 sailboats. These boats are designed for sailors of all abilities, offering joystick controls and sip ‘n’ puff technology. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced racer, you’ll find a welcoming environment. Advanced sailors can even join the Race Club, representing ASABC in local regattas and national competitions. Sailing experiences are available to children aged 8 and up.

ASABC also provides an electric hoist to help sailors transfer into and out of the Martin 16 sailboats. The hoist is compatible with standard and custom slings, ensuring safety and comfort for all participants.

Learn more about Michael Drechsler Jewelry
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Sailing for people with physical disabilities got its start in Canada in 1989 when Sam Sullivan used a British-made Sunbird dinghy to launch the first few sails at the Jericho Sailing Centre on English Bay.

The original Sunbird had been presented to Rick Hansen by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during Expo ’86 in Vancouver to mark the end of his ‘Man in Motion’ world tour.

During that first summer, sailors with tetraplegia, paraplegia and other significant physical disabilities logged a total of 22 sails.

Today, ASABC operates eight specially designed Martin 16 sailboats and provides an average of 1,000+ sails each (non-COVID) year. To meet the increased demand for ASABC programs, we are looking to add a new boat to the fleet with the help of our friend Tim Slater, commodore at the False Creek Yacht Club. Tim and his crew successfully sailed a beautifully restored Baltic 38DP in the Victoria to Maui Yacht Race, raising funds and awareness for ASABC and the Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue.

The Martin 16 sailboat is designed to be accessible for all levels of ability, using either joystick controls or sip-and-puff technology. Participants range from novices to experienced racers who advance to join the Race Club, representing ASABC in local regattas and national competitions.

Our vision is to empower people with physical disabilities to re-imagine what is possible. Sailing provides an opportunity to do just that. Whether you are coming out for a relaxing sail to enjoy the sunshine and the beautiful views of the city from English Bay, or you’re training with our crew as part of the Race Club, we welcome you to join our ASABC sailing community.