Welcome to the DSAO!
The Disabled Sailing Association of Ontario (DSAO) is dedicated to providing people living with a disability the opportunity to learn about and enjoy sailing. The DSAO is a non-profit charitable organization founded, organized and run by people with disabilities, and is uniquely attuned to the needs and desires of its participants.
The DSAO mission
- To provide sailing opportunities for Ontarians regardless of ability or age.
- To provide unique, enjoyable experiences for its participants which include opportunities for social, recreational, rehabilitative and competitive activities.
- To build confidence and self-esteem for people with disabilities, and enhance their independence.
- To facilitate the integration of disabled and able-bodied recreation and competition.
The success of sailing as a recreational and rehabilitation program for the disabled is evident in both the growing numbers of people that participate in these programs, and in the enthusiastic support that the DSAO has already received from disabled communities, along with other organizations and funding agencies. Supporters are inspired by the fact that the lakes and oceans of Canada serve as great healers and equalizers: people with mobility impairments can leave their wheelchairs (and their disabilities) behind, and enjoy the independence and freedom that one experiences when wind, sun and spray join forces to make a perfect sailing day.
DSAO Latest News
APRIL 10TH SEMINAR CANCELLED DUE TO STORM --SEMINAR 1 AND 2 WILL BE HELD TOGETHER 7.30 TO 9.30 TUESDAY APRIL 16 AT NYC.
DSAO Web Site Gets A New Look
The DSAO Web site has a new look to match its logo. The black and red theme was rolled out to the web site along with a much needed server and content management system upgrade with the help of Karen Ann Xavier and an intrepid group of web developers.
DSAO Boat Show Update
The Toronto International Boat Show took place in January 2013 and DSAO was there! The DSAO booth 1331 was staffed by members actively talking about accessible sailing to the boating community and members of the public - letting them know about accessible sport opportunities and sailing in particular. Recruiting volunteers, donors and raising public awareness
DSAO Annual General Meeting
The DSAO held its Annual General Meeting on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 160 The Esplanade, from 2 until 4 pm. There was a sizeable member turnout, and many different issues were discussed. 2012 Commodore Joan Lewis presented the slate for the 2013 DSAO Board of Directors, and a representative from the Able Sail Network gave a presentation. The board wants to thank all members who attended or voted by proxy, and all of those whose participation and organization made the meeting a success!
Thanks to Thomson Rogers for Their Donation!
A very special thanks goes out to Thomson Rogers for their generous donation of a banner that the DSAO can use for special events. The DSAO board wishes especially to recognize Joe Pileggi for his generosity and assistance on this project. Thomson Rogers has been a faithful supporter of the DSAO for many years, particularly at the Toronto Boat Show. Thank you for your support!
Goran Bulut and Joe Pileggi with the new DSAO Banner
People with Disabilities in Windsor Get a Taste of Sailing
On the weekend of September 21, volunteers Goran Bulut and Gwyneth Evans travelled to La Salle Mariners Yacht Club in Windsor to provide interested disabled individuals there with an opportunity to try sailing. LaSalle's commodore invited the DSAO to bring down a Martin 16 to demonstrate how disabled sailing works, and there was enormous community and media interest. More than 24 individuals went out in the Martin for a spin around the harbour, and were thrilled with the experience! The interest and enthusiasm exists in Windsor for a DSAO chapter, and we hope to continue to strengthen ties with the yacht club there. Many thanks to Goran and Gwyneth for all of their hard work!
The DSAO Newsletter Spring 2013
The DSAO Newsletter for Spring 2013 has been sent out and will be posted soon to read online!
Mobility Cup 2012
Congratulations to all DSAO members who participated in Mobility Cup 2012! You can check out the final results of the races. A special thanks also goes out to all of the dedicated DSAO volunteers whose hard work made it possible for our sailors to compete. To view photos of the regatta, go to Mobility Cup 2012 Photos for fantastic shots of the whole event, and Goran Bulut's photos posted on DSAO's Facebook page to see our own competitors and volunteers. You can also check out the media coverage of Mobility Cup 2012. Way to go, DSAO!
Burlington Chapter Latest News
Burlington Chapter is getting ready for the 2013 season and will be open from late June to late August for weekday afternoon sailing. Stay tuned for more news!
QQDSP Chapter Latest News
QQDSP 2013 Opening Day is Coming Up!
QQDSP Opening Day celebrations take place May 18th, 2013 from 11 AM - 4 PM at 283B Queen's Quay. The staff invite one and all to come check out the boats, review and register for sails and visit with old and new friends in the community. QQDSP is getting ready to launch the boats and a new season - see you there! More info...
QQDSP Sailing Lesson Changes in 2013!
As a program improvement, QQDSP will be offering private, personalized sailing instruction one-on-one with a Sail Canada certified instructor; these lessons replace the group lessons of the past. Each individual 2-hour session within a series of 6 or more lessons helps to build the skill and experience of the sailor so they can eventually challenging the CANSail levels. A course can consist of on-land or on-water instruction as requested by the student. For the certified-sailor, this course can be used to develop in-depth experience towards skill mastery. More info...
QQDSP has two race nights in 2013!
QQDSP is offering Gold Fleet racing on Wednesday nights (~6 PM on-water warning signal) and Silver Fleet racing on Thursday nights (~6 PM on-water warning signal). The club racing series provides an ideal opportunity for sailors to develop racing skills that can be applied in regattas. Silver Fleet racing is ideal for novice and developmental racers. Gold Fleet is intended for experienced racers. More info...
QQDSP Accessible Parking
If you have a Blue disabled parking permit, you can take advantage of accessible parking spaces in any Harbourfront Center parking lots, including P3 which is the closest to QQDSP (north side of Queens Quay West north of QQDSP). Parking in the disabled spots is $2. a day.
