No paralympics

So the IOC has removed Paralympic sailing from the Paralympics. So if you have a disability this means no more Olympics for you. Should sailing lead the way with creating its own Paralympics solely focused on sailing as a mainly Corinthian event?

International distribution is to my mind a far bigger threat to sailing even in the main Olympics than TV presentation.

World sailing has an issue with Paralympic sailing. They use expensive boats that require keelboat fascilities, no longer needed by the able bodied Olympic classes. This reduces the take up in less well funded nations as it is just too expensive.
The shame is that sailing can be a truly inclusive sport. We have a thriving sailability set up at Rutland, and many take part in club racing on a regular basis. Often wining.
World sailing should look at different classes that are already being used successfully. But as usual they have ignored the obvious class that would have been perfect. The Challenger was not even invited to the trials for a slipway launch craft. The reasons have never been made clear. I believe they chose the Weta, which has had to be adapted rather than designed for the role.
At the sailability training earlier the Weta was outperformed by the Challenger. The spinnaker was not a useful addition, and the bigger size and complexity required a higher level of support.
With the success of the hansa fleets and the more exciting challenger, they did have a perfect blueprint to take things forward. But I suspect unless they get the class choice sorted to support the development of parasailing in the regions where they lack competitors we will not be getting sailing back for a few cycles yet.

Ps I have no vested interest in the challenger fleet. In fact they are such a handicap bandit in a blow, where they look a blast, while I am working my ass of hiking..... Perhaps I should have a go?


Edited by andymck - 17 Sep 18 at 10:21am

Originally posted by johnr My worry is that without the elite element existing would sailing clubs continue to support disabled sailing. Or are disabled people to be ignored. I would be a bit worried if I was a disable sailor.

Edited by fab100 - 17 Sep 18 at 12:25pm