No barriers on the water.
Only possibilities.
The Disabled Sailors Association provides real sailing, for all types of disability, in purpose-designed yachts and dinghies. Founded in 1993. Over 25,000 people on the water.
Real sailing, for those so often left as spectators.
The Disabled Sailors Association was founded in 1993 by Mike Wood MBE, using the £20,000 compensation he received after a road accident left him in a wheelchair. He had discovered that sailing could set him free, but that no organisation could meet his needs. So he built one.
Today we welcome any age, any disability, any background. On the water, there are no barriers, only possibilities.
Founder & Chairman
Purpose-designed boats. Real ocean adventure.
We sail from Portsmouth on Spirit of Scott Bader, a fully accessible cruising yacht, with a spacious cockpit and easy-access controls. We also design and build our own dinghies, which cannot capsize or sink, and loan them free of charge to disabled people on low incomes.
Members of the MS Society, Whizz-Kidz, schools and day centres sail with us every year, gaining Duke of Edinburgh and RYA qualifications, confidence, independence and real joy.
"I don't know which surprised me most: being able to do it, or them letting me do it."
A DSA sailor, on their first voyage
What we believe
Our vision & mission.
Our vision
To allow all disabilities the ability to participate, rather than spectate — no matter their age, gender, stature or complexity of needs.
Our mission
To give people of any type of disability the freedom to explore their abilities, their potential and their place through inclusive sailing adventures.
What's next
The DSA Dazcat.
Our ground-breaking ocean-going cruiser-racer is under construction in Cornwall now, continuing the proud legacy of the Jubilee Sailing Trust. It will be wheelchair-accessible throughout and double the number of people we can take to sea. We have raised £1.3m of our £2.5m target, and need your help to reach the finish line. Support the build.
Under construction now
Will you help us make it happen?
Donate to put more people on the water, or book a sailing day for yourself or your group. Every pound and every booking makes a difference.