Paul Speight grew up sailing in New Zealand and the South Pacific and has been racing in the USA now for 30 years. An accident added a wheelchair, but didn’t hinder his passion for Sail Sport. It just added to his determination to introduce sailing to people of all abilities worldwide.

Paul is the representative of a line of small sail boats designed in Australia called HANSA.

These boats are raced around the world and are represented in the Paralympics. The main purpose of the boats is to allow a person to enjoy sailing in complete safety without tipping over. Single and two person boats give a sailor enjoyment without the fear factor.

The Hansa is an international class with world and country regattas.
These boats are very usable by persons with disabilities from blind to paraplegics, amputees and abilities.

Hansa has partnered with the Los Angeles Yacht Club in San Pedro Mission to continue to introduce sailing to all in the USA and develop a community sailing program.. In October 2020 the Los Angeles Yacht Club is hosting the Hansa World Championships with around 90 boats from 30 countries.

Paul and his team want to get sailing back into the Paralympics as it was taken out of this worldwide event and are hoping to have it again when the Summer Olympics/Paralympics comes to Los Angeles in 2028

Here are a few links with more info:

https://s4e.org/the-inclusive-sailing-concept/

https://vimeo.com/179599083

Https://www.spokesnmotion.com

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