Design ideas for disabled sailors

I am a student of Naval Architecture from Cadiz (SPAIN), I am working on my graduate project, is about a 14 m. sailship adapted for a disabled sailor. I am looking for information related to this theme. I'll be thankful for any information you could provide to me related to sail ships adaptations, or any system that could make easier the sailing for a disabled sailor.

Yours sincerely,

Nicolás Nemirovsky

[Jeff]

You might find http://www.ransbyoceanchallenges.com/ interesting, or get in contact with Stephen Sumner stephen.sumner@ntlworld.com who posted in rec.boats.building that he was involved in putting together a challenge to sail around the world non-stop, single handled by a disabled sailor and was looking for input.

Someone also suggested finding later books by Tristan Jones (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/external-search/002-6078886-8767209?tag+=boatdesignnet&mode=books&keyword=Tristan+Jones&search=Search) 'who lost his legs as a result of his adventures but continued to sail and eventually established a foundation for disabled sailors.'

[Jeff]

Here are some other interesting links as well:

Sailing Web Options for Sailers with Disabilities
http://www.footeprint.com/sailingweb/

International Foundation for Disabled Sailing
http://www.ifds.org/

A Catamaran for Disabled Sailors by Jim Antrim
http://www.antrimdesign.com/baads/

OWLS Disabled Sail Program
http://www.owlscharity.org/martin.html

Victory 21 Disabled Sailing
http://users.sisna.com/darinc/dissail.html

Sailing Alternatives - providing the instruction, environment and support for disabled and able-bodied individuals to experience the thrills of sailing
http://www.sailingalternatives.org/

[Gades]

Nicolás you might want to have a look a the "Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Comitee" at http://www.dptac.gov.uk/

Also look for the Tenacious, by Tony Castro (www.tonycastro.co.uk), at the Jubilee Sailing Trust's Web Site http://www.jst.org.uk/.

You should go to the ELCANO sailing school (the one at the entrance of Cádiz), and see if they can give any information. They've had regattas for disabled sailors, so they might give some directions.

P.D.: estás haciendo el proyecto con Antonio de Querol?

[Gades]

Nicolás, you should have a look at
http://www.solent.ac.uk/maritime/research/mfr2001.html

where you will find:

http://www.solent.ac.uk/maritime/research/handiami_project.htm

Good luck with your project.

[Jeff]

A new thread has been posted related to this one which may evolve in an exciting direction: Project Proposal : Proa Design for Handicapped Sailors (http://boatdesign.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=472)

There is also the 2.4 metre class, the Norlins sailboats.
at www.ozemail.com.au/~mcleans/aus24metre.htm
that may be sail by able and disable sailors.

[Rafael Sieres]

Hola Nicolas, yo estudie en Cádiz tambien, hize el proyecto con Antoni Querol. Saludalo de mi parte si lo ves por allí. Ahora mismop hago 3 de una carrera de diseño de yates en Southampton, Inglaterra. No se si podré ayudarte en algo. Pero por pedir que no quede.

Y Fernado Sanz, alias Nandi. Hola tambien. Que tal por Escocia. Suelo ver a tu hermano por aqui. Espero que te vaya todo bien.

[gonzo]

What kind of disabilities?

[betelgeuserdude]

I'm currently building to this design, which I feel may offer some benefits to disabled sailors.

This is a tried and true design, having resulted from many years of testing others of the type. No traditional cockpit, the boat is sailed entirely from below decks. 360 degree visibilty is afforded by the pilothouse. All lines lead below, through water traps which also serve as ventilation. These vent trunks/water traps are designed to prevent water intrusion even in the unlikely chance of a roll. The boat is unsinkable, and the righting moment exists to 165 degrees. The low aspect, balanced lug is roller furled, again, from below decks. This boat minimizes leeway utilizing what the designer calls, "chine runners", essentially a Scheel keel, without the keel. This means that the only foil underwater is the kick-up rudder. Draft with the rudder up, is 9". Far from poor behavior under sail, this boat performs like most shoal draft keel boats, tacking true, and pointing well, with minimal leeway.

The designer's own boat has been sailed up and down the east coast of the US, with a great deal of time spent in the Carribean. Last year, the designer, aboard his own boat, won the Watertribe Challenge, a 300 mile nonstop race for sail and human powered vessels, from Tampa to Key Largo, FL. He finished 15 hours ahead of the next finisher.

The design is intended for economical construction in plywood/glass/epoxy.

It seems that the major problem encountered by sailors lacking mobility, is getting aboard. While this design probably isn't an improvement over other boats in this respect, once aboard the boat, everything is accomplished from the protected pilothouse, which also serves as the galley, and substantial berth. This might be a good small cruising boat for the independent sailor. I'm looking forward to sailing mine this summer.

http://home.triad.rr.com/lcruise/paradox1.htm
PARADOX

http://www.microcruising.com/
Microcruising in the Bahamas

DC

[wingsails]

How about this design we have been working on. 16ft tri with a wingsail, seat and 1 sail control.working on a hand throttle for thje tiller and that will be finished soon. The wing automatically tracks the apparent wind and rotates 360 degs. Seems nearly impossible to tip over as the wing weathervanes in gusts of wind. Goes well upwind and also in reverse. Look it up at wingsails.net
Good sailing to all, Kim

[brian eiland]

I just recently received an inquiry as to the adaptabilty of my sailing rig design to a larger catamaran size for a disabled sailor. I recalled seeing a beautiful design in a recent issue of Yachting World (Feb 04)...the yacht "Impossible Dream" by Nic Bailey.

I had not noticed any referenced sites on this forum for that design, so I gathered a few together here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/1733625.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/3090864.stm
http://www.btinternet.com/~nic.bailey/impossible-dream.htm
http://www.multihullsmag.com/magazine/OldMags/Jan-Feb%202004.htm

This truly is a beautiful design.

With reference to a sailing rig for a disabled person I might suggest a look at one referenced in the archives of my website at:
http://www.runningtideyachts.com/articles/othermansboat1.html
This rig was developed by a retired navy fellow who had a substantial handicap.

[brian eiland]

Somehow several of my referenced site got screwed up, so lets try again.


http://www.btinternet.com/~nic.bailey/impossible-dream.htm


http://www.runningtideyachts.com/articles/othermansboat1.html

[tspeer]

I have a paraplegic sailor friend and we've kicked around a lot of ideas for a boat for him. We think an Atlantic or Harry proa makes a lot of sense. The crew doesn't have to move from side to side on each tack. And with an Atlantic proa, the crew doesn't have to leave the windward hull for sail changes, etc.

With an inclined rig and either a hang glider harness or a bosuns chair hung from the masthead, he could reach any place on the boat by pulling in on a line to the appropriate corner, as well as lower himself into the cabin. These lines would be anchored to the seat/harness, run to a block at the respective corner, and back to a cleat on the seat/harness for a 2: purchase. The vertical halyard would have a multi-part purchase to allow him to adjust the height easily. This arrangement allows him to secure himself in a very stable way anywhere on or between the hulls.

Once in the cabin, he could clip into a track running along the ceiling and once again have complete freedom of movement anywhere. This is one time when the long narrow cabin of a multihull actually comes in handy.

[wingsails]

There is an easier way and Rob Denney from Harry proa has seen this rig and likes it very much, and hopefully will be trying it on 1 of his boats shortly.
To see our idea look up www.wingsails.net . We have made a little tri with a hand throttle, mounted on the tiller , to control the wing. To move the rig left, turn the handle left and vice versa for right. The rig trims automatically and will weather vane if hit by a gust. It even works too and not too badly either. Hoping to start some larger projects soon too .Kim
I have a paraplegic sailor friend and we've kicked around a lot of ideas for a boat for him. We think an Atlantic or Harry proa makes a lot of sense. The crew doesn't have to move from side to side on each tack. And with an Atlantic proa, the crew doesn't have to leave the windward hull for sail changes, etc.

With an inclined rig and either a hang glider harness or a bosuns chair hung from the masthead, he could reach any place on the boat by pulling in on a line to the appropriate corner, as well as lower himself into the cabin. These lines would be anchored to the seat/harness, run to a block at the respective corner, and back to a cleat on the seat/harness for a 2: purchase. The vertical halyard would have a multi-part purchase to allow him to adjust the height easily. This arrangement allows him to secure himself in a very stable way anywhere on or between the hulls.

Once in the cabin, he could clip into a track running along the ceiling and once again have complete freedom of movement anywhere. This is one time when the long narrow cabin of a multihull actually comes in handy.

[tspeer]

I've built and sailed a tail-controlled wing on a landyacht (http://www.tspeer.com/landyachts/Lydia/LydiaPhoto.pdf). it does, indeed, do a good job of gust alleviation. Too good, actually. When a gust hits, the rig automatically "sheets out" and the boat doesn't get the acceleration from the gust that a conventional rig does. This certainly makes it safe, but it's also frustrating for experienced sailors and racers.

We found that when given a choice, sailors invariably chose to fix the tail in position, using it as a balance surface. This reduced the moments on the rig so much that one could simply position the wing manually wherever desired. BTW, we implemented the controls so the pilot could control flap and tail separately, or use the flap and tail linked together so they moved in opposite directions in response to the pilot's control. The pilot could also vary the ratio of flap to tail deflection. And the configuration was such that the pilot could simply reach up and grab the tail to manhandle the rig.

It would be a good solution for a day sailer but not for a cruising boat. The inability to reef makes the wing highly problematic for cruising.

We like the Harry proa a lot for this purpose. Although I'm starting to lean toward the pure Atlantic proa. The main difference is the Atlantic has the rig on the windward hull while the Harry puts it on the leeward hull. The Atlantic's rig is thus much more at hand than the Harry's. And the inclination of the rig would be to leeward instead of to windward, which would make it more stable.

[wingsails]

Tail size can help the prob of too much weathervaning. We use a small tali and it takes longer to react so you still get some surge of power from the gust. Its mainly trial and error though for individual requirements. Reefing is done by lessening the tail angle to what is suitable, no problem at all.

[tspeer]

Like a wing, it's impossible to reduce the area of the wingmast any further once the sail is down. From what I've read, the racing skippers that have taken large-chord wingmasts offshore have come back saying, "Never again!"

I can't imagine taking a full wing offshore.

[SailDesign]

Tom,
Did you ever read John Walker's description of bringing PlaneSail (the trimaran) through a hurricane on his transAtlantic crossing?
Interesting.

Steve

[MalSmith]

Tom,
Did you ever read John Walker's description of bringing PlaneSail (the trimaran) through a hurricane on his transAtlantic crossing?
Interesting.

Steve

Is the account on the net anywhere? I admit to being skeptical of using a full size solid wing in bad weather. It would need to be flutter free and very responsive to changes in wind direction when operating al low Cl to avoid getting bowled over.

Mal.

[MalSmith]

We like the Harry proa a lot for this purpose. Although I'm starting to lean toward the pure Atlantic proa. The main difference is the Atlantic has the rig on the windward hull while the Harry puts it on the leeward hull. The Atlantic's rig is thus much more at hand than the Harry's. And the inclination of the rig would be to leeward instead of to windward, which would make it more stable.

The problem with that idea (inclining the rig to leeward) is that two "trapeze" wires may be needed because the mainsail must pass over your head during a shunt. Would that be acceptable? You might be swapping wires right when you need it most. On the Mi6 (http://www.cybernautics.com.au/mi6.html) the mast is on the leeward side of the main hull. It may be better to hang a crane out from the hounds. The jib might still be a problem. Maybe a una rig would be better, but then you loose the advantages of the balanced rig.

Mal.

[tspeer]

The problem with that idea (inclining the rig to leeward) is that two "trapeze" wires may be needed because the mainsail must pass over your head during a shunt. Would that be acceptable?

Yes, now that you mention shunting, our original concept was a Harry proa with rig inclined to windward. That would have the mainsail passing to leeward of the flying wires. When I composed the post, I was thinking of one of Dick Newick's proas and transposed the concept to an Atlantic proa to get the sails within closer reach and go with the more stable leeward tilt.

You're right - there is a definite conflict between the trapeze wires and an Atlantic configuration.

[wingsails]

I agree with sail design.
no I haven't been offshore ith a wing during a storm , but I have been on a 16ft tri ,on enclosed waters in a full on gale that wrecked several roofs and uprooted trees, and the feeling I got was of amazment of how stable the rig was. You cant be just general in remarks like this but have to consider each boat and rig and the conditions as a whole.
I am building a much larger boat and will be using 4 wing masts but the concept has been thought over completely over the last 10 years and still working on details but having been rescued from a conventional rig during a storm years its something that I will not take lightly.
Like a wing, it's impossible to reduce the area of the wingmast any further once the sail is down. From what I've read, the racing skippers that have taken large-chord wingmasts offshore have come back saying, "Never again!"

I can't imagine taking a full wing offshore.

[sharpii2]

Like a wing, it's impossible to reduce the area of the wingmast any further once the sail is down. From what I've read, the racing skippers that have taken large-chord wingmasts offshore have come back saying, "Never again!"

I can't imagine taking a full wing offshore.

Hi Tom:

I sympathize with your concerns. However, I think there is a notable difference between a wing mast and a wing sail. The difference is that one, at least as I understand the concept, has a tailplane atached to it and the other dosen't. The purpose of the tail plane is to keep the leading edge pointed into the wind. As with an airplane, the center of lift tends to be aft the maximum thickness of the foil. This, at least in airplanes, tends to make the wing want to nose over. The purpose of the tailplane is to exert opposite pressure to counteract this tendency. Because of the long lever arm of the fueselage, The tailplane size can be relatively modest in relation to the wing (it contributes nothing to lift).

With the wing sail equiped with an extend boom and a tailplane (much like an airplane standing on its wing tip) and a symetrical foil, the sail should always want to point directly into the wind and produce zero lift. A flap on the tailplane (much like the elevator an airplane) could then be used to produce an angle of attack sufficient to produce lift. In its 'neutral' condition, the only force left to contend with would be drag.

I have read in another thread that an airfoil shape produces one tenth the drag of a cylindrical shape of the same thickness. This seems highly counter intuitive and I have trouble believing it. But if it is true (and I would like to do an experiment to see if it is) then the wingsail, trimmed directly into the wind, should have less drag (maybe cosiderably so) than a bare mast!

Of course, there are a few assumptions here. One, that the sail does not flap or flutter at all. Two, that the airfoil design is optimal for the strongest wind it is likely to face (say 120 knots to be safe). And three, that the weight of this rig is not so much that it makes the center of gravity unacceptably high. If these three assumtions can be met, I see no theoretical reason why this rig could not work.

With the wing mast, I think you have a totaly different animal. Without a tailplane to counteract its tendency to nose over, It will then do just that. Once it has, it will then create drag. And the center of drag would be approximately the same place the center of lift was. This would cause it to angle back into the wind giving it lift again. The lift would then cause it to nose over once again setting up a vicious cycle which is refered to, in the airplane business, as flap flutter. Flap flutter can easily shake a wing to pieces in next to no time and is justly feared by most test pilots. (never again) :eek:

All that being said, I agree with you in being reluctant to take such a rig (wingsail w/tailplane) off shore. I would first mount a scaled down version on a dinghy and take it out on a small lake in full gale conditions (with a crash boat nearby). If it passed that test, my reluctance may then start to lessen. ;)

I do believe that fear of the unknown serves an evolutionary (survival) purpose. Hehe. :D

Bob

[tspeer]

A good wing can have low drag - at zero lift. The problem is keeping the lift at zero.

I agree about the need to add a tail to a wingmast to stabilize it when the sail is struck. I've often considered a unit that would have a bar that extended ahead and behind the mast, with a molded clamshell to clamp it onto the mast. The aft end of the bar would have a crossmember that could be unfolded to deploy a kite-shaped tail. The forward end of the bar would have a weight to mass-balance the mast and improve its flutter stability. I've had a fluttering wingmast pitchpole me backwards when tacking a landyacht - more than once.

Here are three things to consider about a wing offshore: moment of inertia, wind gradient, and gust spectrum.

The mass and corresponding moment of inertia of a wing will affect the dynamics of the boat in a seaway. Most sailors endeavor to reduce weight aloft as much as possible. The added inertia of a wing will lower the natural frequency of the boat's motion and can increase the amplitude. A related issue is mass balance of the wing. If the center of gravity of the wing is not on the pivot axis, it will swing about in response to the boat's motion in waves. It will also be more prone to flutter if the c.g. is behind the pivot axis.

With gusts and swells (which shadow the bottom of the wing when in the trough), the top of the wing doesn't necessarily see the same wind as the bottom of the wing. So it becomes very difficult to keep all parts of the wing neutral. When you get lift on the wing, or any part of it, you get induced drag and have to deal with the lift force itself. With a soft sail, reefing not only reduces the sail area, it lowers the center of effort and reduces the linear size of the sail. A feathered wing doesn't have any of these characteristics.

Finally, one has to consider the gust spectrum and the required dynamics from the wing. The damping of the tail goes up by the square of the tail length. So for the same tail volume (area x moment arm), a small tail on a long arm has much more damping than a large tail on a small arm. You need to design the tail so that the natural frequency of the response of the wing is faster than the expected gust onset rates. Otherwise, the gust will load up the wing before it has a chance to feather and alleviate the gust.

This requires consideration of the static stability from the tail (which sets the tail volume), aerodynamic damping, and moment of inertia of the wing and tail. On our long-tailed landyacht wing, we noticed that the response was quite sluggish. I've wondered if this is one reason the Walker wings were so short-coupled.

[sharpii2]

A good wing can have low drag - at zero lift. The problem is keeping the lift at zero.

I agree about the need to add a tail to a wingmast to stabilize it when the sail is struck. I've often considered a unit that would have a bar that extended ahead and behind the mast, with a molded clamshell to clamp it onto the mast. The aft end of the bar would have a crossmember that could be unfolded to deploy a kite-shaped tail. The forward end of the bar would have a weight to mass-balance the mast and improve its flutter stability. I've had a fluttering wingmast pitchpole me backwards when tacking a landyacht - more than once.

Here are three things to consider about a wing offshore: moment of inertia, wind gradient, and gust spectrum.

The mass and corresponding moment of inertia of a wing will affect the dynamics of the boat in a seaway. Most sailors endeavor to reduce weight aloft as much as possible. The added inertia of a wing will lower the natural frequency of the boat's motion and can increase the amplitude. A related issue is mass balance of the wing. If the center of gravity of the wing is not on the pivot axis, it will swing about in response to the boat's motion in waves. It will also be more prone to flutter if the c.g. is behind the pivot axis.

With gusts and swells (which shadow the bottom of the wing when in the trough), the top of the wing doesn't necessarily see the same wind as the bottom of the wing. So it becomes very difficult to keep all parts of the wing neutral. When you get lift on the wing, or any part of it, you get induced drag and have to deal with the lift force itself. With a soft sail, reefing not only reduces the sail area, it lowers the center of effort and reduces the linear size of the sail. A feathered wing doesn't have any of these characteristics.

Finally, one has to consider the gust spectrum and the required dynamics from the wing. The damping of the tail goes up by the square of the tail length. So for the same tail volume (area x moment arm), a small tail on a long arm has much more damping than a large tail on a small arm. You need to design the tail so that the natural frequency of the response of the wing is faster than the expected gust onset rates. Otherwise, the gust will load up the wing before it has a chance to feather and alleviate the gust.

This requires consideration of the static stability from the tail (which sets the tail volume), aerodynamic damping, and moment of inertia of the wing and tail. On our long-tailed landyacht wing, we noticed that the response was quite sluggish. I've wondered if this is one reason the Walker wings were so short-coupled.

I agree with you on all counts. Reasons one and two may be why I only hear of these things on multihulls. I can imagine on a mono things could get mighty agravaing in sloppy conditons and mighty exciting in gale ones. Though not as exciting as one might think. The wind gradiants may actually do more to dampen roll than to create it. However, The almost inevitably high CGs on these things may do much to limit their sail areas. This could be to such an extent that this rig on a mono would be limited to only sail assists on displacement powerboats. :(
In that capacity it could be well worth trying.
I still would like to try it on an mono offshore cruising yacht and just see how it goes. Which brings to mind a "bare naked ladies" tune: If I had a million dollars. :D

Bob

[brian eiland]

I was rooting thru some old mags and ran across this ad with a good overhead shot of "Impossible Dream". Note the wheel chair accessible deck around the entire perimeter

And I don't believe this 'handicap subject on boats' has come up in a long time.

[Guillermo]

Just popping in to say hello to Nicolás, Fernando and Rafael. Good to see so many spanish NA's (or close to be) showing up together in these forums.

Nicolás,
at my office we are at the beginning of the process of developing an small recreational motor boat concept for disabled persons (just motor, not sail). I agree with betelgeuserdude one of the main challenges is getting the disabled persons on and out of the boat with as less help as possible.

Cheers.

[Nordic Cat]

I think that Toms idea sounds very promising, as well as the wingsail concept.

I definately think that a cat or a proa is the way to go. Enclosed is a picture from a british built boat that used to be called Baden-Powell. It was aquired by a Swedish organisation to take disabled people sailing, and is somewhere around Stockholm at present.

I will discuss this with my good friend, who fell of the plug of a cat he had designed, hit his head on the concrete floor in a very unlucky manner, and has been disabled since. He now only has limited use of his left arm, and impaired vision as well. He was one of the best sailors I have ever sailed with.
In good weather, I lift him on board my cat in his wheelchair, and tie it down to the side deck for a sail. Sometimes he helps with the sail trim using his good arm and his teeth, it's just great to see the light come on in his eyes again, and his smile! Maybe we need to get him a boat like the one Tom described?

Regards

Alan

[Nordic Cat]

I agree with betelgeuserdude one of the main challenges is getting the disabled persons on and out of the boat with as less help as possible.

Cheers.

There are small hydraulic cranes available, and rigging them up for wireless control is pretty standard these days. Simpler manual versions are used to help disabled people in to bathtubs/swimming pools. If there is a helper available it would be easy and not too heavy to implement.

On a sailboat, a boom crane is easy to implement, add some bearings and in/out control lines...

Regards

Alan

[sharpii2]

I think that Toms idea sounds very promising, as well as the wingsail concept.

I definately think that a cat or a proa is the way to go. Enclosed is a picture from a british built boat that used to be called Baden-Powell. It was aquired by a Swedish organisation to take disabled people sailing, and is somewhere around Stockholm at present.

I will discuss this with my good friend, who fell of the plug of a cat he had designed, hit his head on the concrete floor in a very unlucky manner, and has been disabled since. He now only has limited use of his left arm, and impaired vision as well. He was one of the best sailors I have ever sailed with.
In good weather, I lift him on board my cat in his wheelchair, and tie it down to the side deck for a sail. Sometimes he helps with the sail trim using his good arm and his teeth, it's just great to see the light come on in his eyes again, and his smile! Maybe we need to get him a boat like the one Tom described?

Regards

Alan

A wonderful post!

One of the best I have seen in years.

And on probably one of the most relevant threads around.

At least for here in the good ole' U.S of A. With all these severely wounded soldiers coming back from the present war, I can see no higher purpose for a boat designer to give these people some relief and maybe even some enjoyment.

While I'm here, I would like to make a pitch for smaller boats. Most disabled people I know do not have a lot of money.

The problem is to make something that is easy to self rescue if it capsizes.

The vessel can then be small, light, and cheap.

My latest design is a 'puddle duck racer' (see pdracer .com) with a slatted cockpit sole and a bunch of 1 gallon milk jugs for flotation. The idea being, if the boat turtles, it won't take a lot to right it and, being half full of water, it won't be too hard to pull one self back on board, then bail the water out.

If I ever get a chance to build it, I would like to see if I can rescue it without using my legs.

Being an 4 by 8 foot scow, a 'puddle duck racer' has a great deal of initial stability. Reducing the size of her rig could all but guarantee that she would never capsize for someone even more disabled.

Attached are some drawings. The milk jugs go under the wide side decks. They displace only 80 lbs per side.

[joz]

Try this links from Sailing.org on about disable sailing.

sailing.org/1075.php
sailing.org/1077.php
sailing.org/1083.php
sailing.org/1500.php
sailing.org/13151.php
sailing.org/1520.php
sailing.org/1518.php
sailing.org/1516.php

Also you a look at John Marples design Int 3 Metre Class Tri which is for both Able Bodied and Disabled persons.

[simon]

Alan,

there is a page describing the 'Spirit of Scott Bader'

http://www.disabledsailing.org/data/dsahq/scott%20bader/Scott%20Bader.html

I think this cat is pretty well set up for disables sailors and I like the concept. I wonder if anyone has some firsthand experience.

Simon

[rwatson]

There is also the 2.4 metre class, the Norlins sailboats.
at www.ozemail.com.au/~mcleans/aus24metre.htm
that may be sail by able and disable sailors.

The revised address for this site was given as

http://www.inter24metre.org

but there seems to be no such site. This is a shame as I have seen them in action and being made - very impressed

[Scott Rains]

There are small hydraulic cranes available, and rigging them up for wireless control is pretty standard these days.



Here is a photo of the McKinnon Hugger in use on the refurbished WWII minesweeper Sea Wolf in Glacier Bay, AK:

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2222054100094416329zZOCmH?vhost=travel


This is modifed hang glider seat (bosun's chair) designed by Brazilian disabled adventure sports promoter Dad Moreira. Used here at Parque do Sonhos, Socorro, Brazil on the 1 km long zipline "Panico:"


http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2703740310094416329aWwtmJ?vhost=good-times

And this is a manual lifting aid called the Comfort Carrier by Broadened Horizons:

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2008931110094416329LKotvg?vhost=travel

[brian eiland]

Geoff Holt: Atlantic Challenge & Disability Sports Ambassador

Leaving Today!
10th December 2009, Geoff Holt embarks on Personal Atlantic, setting sail on a 60ft, purpose-built, wheelchair-accessible catamaran on a voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. The 3,000 mile journey will take him up to a month to complete, across some of the most hostile waters in the world.

In completing his Challenge, Geoff Holt will become the first quadriplegic to make the journey, unassisted in every aspect of the sailing.

Impossible Dream is a wheelchair accessible catamaran of unique design

Follow his trip and look at the videos on his website:
http://www.geoffholt.com/

[Doug Lord]

Thanks Brian-I wish Geoff the best of luck-and good sailing!

[hoytedow]

Bon voyage et bon chance!

[Tanton]

Built in late 70's, this vessel was literally designed around the owner's wheel chair. The interior and deck reflect the need of wide walkthrough all around.

[simon]

Yves-Marie,

it would be interesting to hear about the ergonomic concept of your design and the solutions to enable the use of a wheelchair on board.

Cheers

Simon