English

It sometimes happens that, a series of circumstances, ideas and products come to change people’s opportunities and life. For unknown reasons, it is surprising that very little effort has been made around the world to offer to the disabled the possibility of experiencing the sea, in all of its aspects.

Some of the best results in this field have been attained in the city of Sabaudia, near Rome.  There now exists a Center specializing in the production of large accessible sailboats and medium sized motor boats and a sailing school which is highly specialized in teaching the disabled.

The “Tornavento” was the first sloop created by Sabaudia Etica. The boat is 33 feet long, and was built to verify the possibility of single sailing for a paraplegic. The experiment has been a success.

 The “Tornavento”

The “Tornavento” demonstrated that sails, rudder, motor, gangway to get onboard and the hydraulic platform to go below deck, made navigation possible for a disabled person, even without assistance. The first step was successful.  The next step was, therefore, to produce a larger boat (40 feet) which allowed even greater autonomy and the possibility to embark on a long cruise or for a regatta.  In 2001 “Sabaudia Prima” was launched - a real jewel of creativity, without necessarily relying on highly technological supports.

“Sabaudia Prima” has opened high sea navigation to those who, otherwise, would have had to renounce to this fantastic experience.

Everything onboard has been studied to make all of its parts available and accessible. The sails, the wheel, the anchor and the lifeboat can all be easily managed ( www.velaetica.it ). The great novelty is a patented reliable hoist which can transefer the disabled from a wheelchair into the water and viceversa with dignity and safety. 

Sailing is certainly the most romantic way of experiencing the sea, but a motor boat is the most common and practical way for a daily tour to go fishing, bathing, diving and visiting coasts which you cannot reach by land. This is the reason why inflatable boats and open boats are so common and available. This is why “Sabaudia Etica” has created “Easyboat”, a 21 feet long open boat that can be used by people in a wheelchair or by those who, due to age or...overweight, find it difficult to use an unstable gangway or to climb a little ladder.

“Easyboat” allows everybody to enjoy a day out at sea, with comfort and security, perhaps fishing and bathing thanks to an electric hoisting system. Remote control allows independent use of the anchor and control of the telescopic gangaway. A chemical w.c. is also available (when necessary, a removable curtain hides the w.c.). 

“Sabaudia Etica” has also its own sailing school “Scuola Vela Sabaudia” ( www.sabaudia.net/scuolavela )  which is very well known for being also specialized in teaching to the disabled. The school has various small boats such as the “2.4”, a “Dream” and 3 Access Dinghies (Liberty’s) which recently arrived from Australia.

The school is also organizing the next 2005 IFDS Single Person Dinghy World Championship called the “Sabaudia’s Cup” in the nearby harbour of San Felice Circeo.  This championship will be sailed in the Liberty. (www.accessdinghy.org )

Because of all these activities, “Sabaudia Etica” can proudly declare to be the most advanced enterprise in creating a fantastic opportunity for the disabled to meet and enjoy the wonderful world of the waves.

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