Dezeen Magazine

Paralympic design: adaptive sailing equipment

Sailors at the London 2012 Paralympics are using boats fitted out with custom seats, handles and pedal controls.

Paralympic design: adaptive sailing equipment

They compete in mixed events in single-, two-, or three-person boats, which have to be adapted to the needs of each crew member.

Paralympic design: adaptive sailing equipment

Sonar boats for crews of three are made more accessible with transfer benches and bars that help sailors to move around the large boats.

Paralympic design: adaptive sailing equipment

A hand bike pedal system on a swiveling seat can be installed for a helmsman with quadriplegia.

Paralympic design: adaptive sailing equipment

Modifications to the Skud18 two-person boats include custom-moulded bucket seats with electrical controls for tilting and ski-pole steering handles.

Paralympic design: adaptive sailing equipment

Individual 2.4mR boats are designed specifically for each sailor.

Paralympic design: adaptive sailing equipment

The finals of the Paralympic sailing events take place in Weymouth on Thursday 6th September.

Paralympic design: adaptive sailing equipment

Images are by the International Association for Disabled Sailing.

Paralympic design: adaptive sailing equipment

See all our stories about design for Paralympic athletes »

Paralympic design: adaptive sailing equipment

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