When was the last time we heard a controversy regarding pressure for a sailor to take steroids? Or maintain a specific body type? Or harm their bodies in other ways to be able to compete at their teammates level? I'd say never because there are no limitations.
Anyone of any body type can participate: even disabled sailors. Last week, JSA's very own AYC and LYC hosted the ONLY national championship for disabled sailors in the 2.4mR's(singlehanded), Ideal 18's(doublehanded) and Sonars (triplehanded).With racers hailing from the 4 corners of our continent, I'm sure you guys can imagine the competition level in Rye that weekend!
Now, in Paralympic style sailing, there is a rating for each competitior that determines their abilities and limitations. For example, someone with a 7 rating is the most able bodied on a boat. In the boats that require a crew, the disability ratings are averaged up and must stay below a certain boat average to qualify for such regattas. This regatta is actually a qualifier for the Paralympic Games in China this fall! Check out the site it's got regatta results and a report (which was pretty intense) and I think you guys will like it.CNN also did some video coverage
Racing sailboats is one of the only sports where disabled and able-bodied athletes can compete as equals and that folks is just another reason why I love this sport!
Mastering wind and water can be done by the less-conventionally abled, and they can excel! Check out this one-legged windsurfer.
Posted by: Michael | June 23, 2008 at 16:23