One-to-one on the water: when sailing training adapts to individual needs
Hamburg/Hoyerswerda 28 August 2028
Following Wednesday and Thursday’s school sailing courses at the Bugenhagen School in Alsterdorf and the WOI course with the Werner Otto Institute, today we once again had a very practical example of what inclusive sailing training is all about.
After all, not every child or young person can sail on the traditional sailing boats that most people are familiar with. Those with severe disabilities need different types of boat – and support that cannot be provided in a group setting, but rather on a one-to-one or one-to-two basis by our trainers.
Hamburg/Hoyerswerda 28.8.2028
Today, Anna and Tristan were on board with us.
Tristan is part of the Heinz Kettler Inclusive Youth Sailing Team Germany and is already well at home with the training. Anna is new to the team. She uses a wheelchair and was out sailing today on one of our specialised RS Venture Connect boats, accompanied by our coach Calle. The boat is fully accessible and can be adapted to individual needs – so anyone who wants to come on board can do so, regardless of how mobile they are on land.
Together with the Hamburg Sailing Club, we run these projects with a 1:1 or 1:2 support ratio.
And sailing is about more than just what happens between setting off and mooring. Preparing the boat, hoisting the sails, setting off, mooring, striking the sails, and clearing the boat – these tasks are just as much a part of the experience and are learnt just as thoroughly. It is precisely these practical tasks that build routine, a sense of responsibility and the feeling of being a fully-fledged member of the crew.
That is exactly what we are all about: we don’t just run large courses with lots of participants. We also run small, highly personalised sessions – because for some children and young people, they are the only way to get involved in sailing. It’s labour-intensive; it requires specialised boats, qualified coaches and time. But this is precisely where it is decided whether inclusion remains just a word or becomes part of everyday life.
We are looking for partners and sponsors to help us further expand these personalised programmes.
Contact
Sven Jürgensen, Chair
Wir sind Wir Inclusion in Sailing e.V.
