The boats that were sailed to Australia’s two Paralympic gold medals in Rio are being offered by Australian Sailing to clubs seeking to grow their inclusive programs.

Daniel Fitzgibbon and Liesl Tesch claimed the SKUD 18 AUS075 gold medal in 2016, backing up their 2012 victory at the London Games. Colin Harrison, Russell Boaden and Jonathan Harris won gold in the Sonar AUS848. Both teams won by large margins.

Sailing is not included in the 2020 Paralympic Games Sports Program and other classes have been selected for Para World Sailing competitions. Therefore, Australian Sailing is now making the boats available, free of charge, to help two motivated sailing clubs grow their inclusive sailing programs with some impressive equipment.

The SKUD 18 enables sailors with severe disabilities to helm a performance sports boat. It can be sailed by two or three in various seating configurations. The Sonar is an exciting Bruce Kirby design 23’ keelboat suitable for three to five crew. The boats are stored in Sydney and come with multiple sails and road trailers.

Daniel Fitzgibbon and Liesl Tesch defended their crown in Rio. 

Expressions of interest for each of the boats are invited from clubs which:

Have an established inclusive sailing program

Have a history of developing the racing skills of sailors with a disability

Undertake to use the boat to grow the number of people of all abilities participating and developing in sailing for a period of not less than two years

Undertake to safely store, maintain and insure the boat for a period of not less than two years

For more info, or to express interest, contact Australian Sailing’s Para Sailing Coordinator David Staley - parasailing@sailing.org.au

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