First Para World Sailing equipment evaluation complete

The second and final day of the first Para World Sailing equipment evaluation saw the Fraglia Vela Malcesine play host to more sailors testing proposed Paralympic equipment.

Taking time out of training for the upcoming Garda Olympic Week and the Para World Sailing Championships in Medemblik at the end of the month, sailors tested and critiqued the boats on a sunny Lake Garda.

Following feedback from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), World Sailing and the Para World Sailing Committee made the decision to review the equipment used in the Paralympic classes.

Factors such as world-wide distribution, ease of logistics and shipping, costs and widening the range of disabilities that are able to sail the Paralympic classes were at the forefront of Para World Sailing Committee thinking when making a decision on which boats to invite to attend the evaluation.

Once these boat builders and manufacturers were identified, the Para World Sailing Committee then made contact so that the selected equipment could be made available to the sailors attending the evaluation for testing.

Equipment fast facts

 
Focus on…Massimo Dighe Part of the Para World Sailing Committee and integral to the first evaluation is Italian Paralympic sailor, Massimo Dighe. A software analyst by day, Massimo has sailed all the current Paralympic classes, 2.4 Norlin OD, SKUD18 and also the Sonar, in which he represented Italy at London 2012 Paralympic Games. Massimo is widely recognised throughout the Para World Sailing community. On the ground at the Fraglia Vela Malcesine as part of the Evaluation Working Party, Massimo has liaised with the club, manufacturers and sailors to ensure the opportunity to test the new equipment was available so that a better informed choice could be made with feedback from the people who will compete in the classes. Here is Massimo telling us about the evaluation: