Able Sail Toronto is a registered charity that gives people with disabilities the chance to experience sailing on Lake Ontario. Using adaptive sailboats and specially adapted equipment and life jackets, people of all abilities can enjoy the water safely and leisurely or really delve into the art of sailing.
In this episode of Underestimated, Oda meets Karen-Ann Xavier, Principal Administrator for Able Sail Toronto at the National Yacht Club to learn about the program and sail a Martin 16.
Able Sail provides specially-designed Martin 16 sailboats, docks and all the specialized equipment necessary for people with limited mobility, dexterity, sensation and strength to be able to get in a sailboat and go sailing. Potential new members are assessed for previous sailing skills and knowledge. Their needs and equipment are recorded for the sailing programs. Membership fees are at a subsidized rate of $50 per year.
Members schedule their sailing times (usually for an hour or longer) on the website booking page or by phone and meet us on the dock at the Club. Members may usually sail once a week (Monday through Friday) and are charged $15 per sail, which is also a subsidized rate.
Many sailors are able to get in and out of the sailboat with minimal assistance. However, if this is not possible, sailors can be transferred using a sling and hoist. A sling is placed under the participant, the straps attached to a battery-powered lift which raises them out of the wheelchair. The lift is attached to a pivoting davit which allows the sailor to transfer and safely lower into position. The same procedure is done in reverse for getting back into the wheelchair. This is a very safe transfer method which requires no manual lifting. Able Sail Toronto has four davits and battery powered lifts with a weight rating of 500 lbs each.
The goal of Able Sail is to enable a sense of independence and self-sufficiency. For sailors that require more trunk control can use the KAPE Seat. A wide band goes over the chest to give the sailor stability. Side supports keep the sailor in place on the back of the seat, they are adjustable in height and width. A head rest is available for those that need support for their head.
Sailors who need help controlling the sails can use a Windlass to sheet in and out the sails. The rope for the sails, the mainsheet and jibsheet, are connected to a winch type system that acts as a multiplier, increasing the strength of the sailor. With a light touch of a button, the sails can be sheeted in or out.
For sailors who need help steering because of reduced strength of the arms and hands an Autohelm is fitted to the sailboat. The Autohelm has a small joystick like a video game control that can be used to steer the sailboat with very little effort; it acts as a multiplier increasing the strength of the sailor.
The boat can be even further adapted for sailors who do not have the use of the arms and hands. The windlass and autohelm system can be controlled with the sailors breath using a module called “sip ‘n puff”. By inhaling or exhaling gently into a straw, the sailor can move the rudder left or right, and with a second straw let the sails out or winch them in. In this way high-level quadriplegics – with no movement below the neck – can independently sail the boat. The level of freedom, independence and control experienced by these sailors is exhilarating, challenging and life-changing.
To learn more about Able Sail Toronto, visit
To learn more about the Able Sail Network across Canada, visit https://ablesailtoronto.com/
To learn more about the Able Sail Network across Canada, visit https://ablesailnetwork.com/
