A successful sailor and coach, Alison is currently the Chair of the Para World Sailing Committee and a reguare instructor for US Sailing.

Alison is well known for bringing new sailors into the sport at grass roots level – much more than simply taking sailors out on the water for an initial experience. She has supported and provided clinics at grass root level events in and around the USA with her main aim of developing a pathway for all types of people, with differing levels of disabilities and competition experience.

She was instrumental in the revision and editing of the 1996 IFDS Disabled Sailing Manual and she worked to design and implement a classification system for the inclusion of sailors with visual impairments in Para World Sailing competition at all levels.

The American has also provided coaching for the Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge, held the first Disabled Sailing Instructor Workshop and developed Pioneer Grants which enabled community sailing programs to incorporate Para World Sailing into learn to sail programs.

With a long list of projects and commitments Alison continues to pursue challenges with a broad mind set and concluded by saying, “The reason why I do this with such a passion is the reaction of the sailors. It is really incredible to see what I think is an under-served group of people that are athletes, who have a competitive mind that don’t let circumstances affect their outlook and pursuits.

BAADS is honored to hold a two day racing clinic with Betsy Alison this summer July 24 & 25, 2021 in San Francisco. Find these clinics nationwide at USSAILING.com

Betsy currently wears many hats at US Sailing but working with sailors with disabilities continues to hold a special place in her heart. She has supported and provided sailing clinics at a grass root level all over the US to develop a pathway for people, with differing levels of disabilities and competition experienc