Design ideas for disabled sailors

[sharpii2]

Originally Posted by 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

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/...t%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]

Originally Posted by ;2594

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]

Originally Posted by Nordic Cat

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:




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:"




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

[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