Friday, June 27, 2008

DSAO Whitesail Courses Starting!

we now have a new sailing instructor who will be teaching the whitesail courses.
  • White Sail 1 courses will run on July 5th and 6th from 12-8 pm as well as on July 6th and 10th from 6-closing.
  • White sail 2 courses will run on July 12th and 13th from 12-8 and on July 15th 17th 22nd and 24th from 6-closing.
  • White sail 3 courses will run on July 29th and 31st as well as August 5th and 7th from 6-9 pm and on August 9th and 10th from 12-8pm
Contact DSAO for more information and to sign up!
Posted by Karen-Ann at 12:40 AM 0 comments Labels:

Monday, June 16, 2008

Wednesday Night Racing - 18 June, 2008

This Wednesday and every subsequent Wednesday racing at DSAO! Be there by 5:30pm. Call the office to book a boat in advance, it is first come first serve. There will be a barbecue after racing and racing debrief. The more we share our tricks and tips, the more we build friendships and raise the level of Ontario disabled sailing.
Posted by Karen-Ann at 10:41 PM 0 comments

Friday, June 13, 2008

Sail Around the Island

Come view all sides of Toronto Island, Saturday 21 June at 11:00 am. Experience what it is like to sail through the Eastern and Western Gaps of Toronto. Then come ashore and have a BBQ. Meet other Disabled Sailors. Have a great time sailing and getting to know each other. Call the disabled sailing office at 416-214-0358 if you are interested.
Posted by Karen-Ann at 2:52 PM 0 comments Labels:

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

The Challenger

The Challenger Trimaran is a 15ft boat; designed specifically to enable disabled people to sail. Because the sailor sits in the middle and the boat has two out-riggers it is incredibly stable and doesn't involve any shifting of weight to keep the boat upright.

The Challenger Class is a single-handed trimaran with one-design features, which is sailed and raced throughout the UK. The Class was designed by noted multihull designer Rod McAlpine Downie, specifically to allow those with disabilities to sail and race independently and on equal terms with able-bodied sailors.With a Portsmouth Handicap of 1200 the Challenger is competitive in most club racing fleets and, because it has the sailing characteristics of a “monohull fitted with outriggers” it fits easily into the slow handicap, rather than the catamaran, fleet.Whilst slower to tack than a monohull, the Challenger is suitable for lakes as small as 50 acres and is a very safe, seaworthy boat. The fact that it does not heel over or capsize makes it particularly suitable for those with poor upper body strength and balance.
Posted by Karen-Ann at 12:06 AM 0 comments Labels:

The Martin 16

The Martin 16 is a breakthrough in small boat design. The weighted keel makes it a very safe boat for people with severe disabilities. The high lift keel makes the boat very stable, trailer launching is simple and the boat can be easily rigged by one person. The inherent stability of the boat, along with the adjustable seating and specialized control systems make the Martin 16 truly accessible to all physically challenged sailors. It is also a lively performance boat for able bodied sailors; this promotes DSA's goal of integrated sailing for recreation and competition.
Posted by Karen-Ann at 12:05 AM 0 comments Labels:

DSAO Opening Day Saturday May 31

DSAO opening day was Saturday, May 31. There were volunteer and member sign-ups. Perfect opportunity to meet our DSAO members, sign-up to volunteer. See our boats!
Posted by Karen-Ann at 12:05 AM 0 comments Labels:
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The Disabled Sailing Association of Ontario (DSAO) is dedicated to providing people living with a disability the opportunity to learn about and enjoy sailing. DSAO is a non-profit charitable organization founded, organised and run by people with disabilities and is uniquely attuned to the needs and desires of its participants.

DSAO's mission:
•To provide sailing opportunities for Ontarians regardless of disabilities or age.
•To provide unique, enjoyable experiences for its participants which include opportunities for social, recreational, rehabilitative and competitive activities.
•To build confidence, self-esteem and enhance independence for people with mobility or other impairments.
•To facilitate integration of disabled and able-bodied recreation and competition.
The success of sailing as a recreational and rehabilitation program for the disabled is evident in both the growing numbers of people with disabilities that participate in these programs, and in the enthusiastic support that DSA-Ontario has already received from the disabled communities, organizations and funding agencies. Supporters are inspired by the realization that the lakes and oceans of Canada serve as a great healer and equalizer – people with mobility impairments can leave their wheelchairs (and their disabilities) behind, and enjoy the independence and freedom that one experiences when wind, sun and spray join forces to make a perfect sailing day.