Big News for Disabled Sailing,
New boat chosen for New 2 person Disclipne.

Check out IFDS (International Foundation Disabled Sailing), the governing body for disabled sailing has just selected the UD 18, an Access Dinghy co-designed by Chris Mitchell of Access Dinghies and Julian Bethwaite. Below is the partial announcement received today from IFDS with the official word:

As you will be aware, the IFDS AGM took place on Monday 7 November 2005 at the Changi Village Hotel, Singapore. The IFDS is pleased to announce that the equipment used in the Two-Person Keelboat Event will be the UD-18, an Australian Mitchell/Bethwaite design. The UD-18 is a lead-assisted skiff with similar lines to the, 29er or 49er. With a tube-launched asymmetrical spinnaker and a modified 29er rig, the boat promises to be an exciting addition to World and Paralympic Competition. Able-bodied and disabled athletes alike will enjoy this platform and more severely disabled sailors will welcome the ability to compete on an equitable level. The Functional Classification System for the Two-Person Keelboat was recommended by the IFDS Medical Committee, endorsed by the IFDS Executive Committee and approved by the IFDS Recognized National Authorities (RNA’s) during the AGM and will be distributed promptly to enable countries to compile crews.

Yours sincerely,

Serge Jorgensen
IFDS President

Stay tuned as I am sure there will be possibly heated and interesting comments from all sides. Dawg

11/08/05