PHOTO: HELEN BATHERSON

About Us

 

Our mission is to promote the independence, well-being and quality of life of people with disabilities, by supporting the development and connectedness of adapted sailing programs across Canada.

Vision

Our vision is that sailing becomes accessible to all Canadians, of all abilities. 

Objectives

  • To facilitate communication, collaboration and connectedness among organizations and individuals committed to the development of sailing programs for people with disabilities.
  • To be a knowledge base for adapted sailing associations, and to support them in the provision of active, strong and sustainable programs.
  • To facilitate increased public awareness and advocacy for adapted sailing opportunities and programs
  • To fundraise at the national level to support AbleSail Network’s vision, mission and objectives.
HISTORY

It all started with the gift of a boat.

At Expo 86, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher donated a British made Sunbird sailboat to Canadian Rick Hansen in honour of his Man in Motion tour. 

A few years later, Hansen presented the boat to Sam Sullivan, a Vancouver man living with quadriplegia, who used it to develop the first disabled sailing association in Canada. Since then, many adapted sailing organizations have been created nationally.

Today’s AbleSail Network membership consists of accessible sailing programs across Canada. Formed in 2006, and earning its charitable status in 2012, AbleSail is also the custodian of the Mobility Cup — Canada’s international regatta for sailors with disabilities.

A group of people standing in front of a Sunbird sailboat. Sam Sullivan in wheelchair in foreground.

Rick Hansen named this boat The Iron Lady for Margaret Thatcher, the late former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after she gifted it to him.

Board of Directors

Meet the dedicated volunteers — our Board, who make AbleSail possible.

Our Stories

Our AbleSail community members, supporters, participants and partners share their stories of sailing, inclusion, and community.

Mobility Cup

Each year, AbleSail Network hosts the Mobility Cup — Canada’s international regatta for sailors with disabilities.