In 1992, the IFDS constitution was formally adopted and the World Disabled Sailing Championship was sailed in Spain alongside, but not as part of, the Barcelona Paralympics. Sailing was a demonstration sport in the 1996 Atlanta Paralympics but received full medal status immediately after the games in preparation for the Sydney 2000 Paralympics . Numerous other national, regional and international championships have been organized under the IFDS banner. The history of disabled sailing is more than a list of championships. Sailing is a metaphor for the celebration of life and is one of the few sports where disabled people can participate on equal terms.
Sailing is a sport for all and a sport for life.
The knowledge gained from this history is something we wish to build upon, develop and share. We aim to promote sailing for recreation, rehabilitation and racing, expanding into all the ISAF member countries and involving more and more people with all kinds of disabilities. The committee will be known as the Offshore Racing Committee. All Rights Reserved. Please read our Disclaimer and Copyright Notice.