Paralympic design: adaptive sailing equipment
Sailors at the London 2012 Paralympics are using boats fitted out with custom seats, handles and pedal controls.
![Paralympic design: adaptive sailing equipment Paralympic design: adaptive sailing equipment](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/09/dezeen_Paralympic-design-adaptive-sailing-equipment_2.jpg)
They compete in mixed events in single-, two-, or three-person boats, which have to be adapted to the needs of each crew member.
![Paralympic design: adaptive sailing equipment Paralympic design: adaptive sailing equipment](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/09/dezeen_Paralympic-design-adaptive-sailing-equipment_3.jpg)
Sonar boats for crews of three are made more accessible with transfer benches and bars that help sailors to move around the large boats.
![Paralympic design: adaptive sailing equipment Paralympic design: adaptive sailing equipment](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/09/dezeen_Paralympic-design-adaptive-sailing-equipment_4.jpg)
A hand bike pedal system on a swiveling seat can be installed for a helmsman with quadriplegia.
![Paralympic design: adaptive sailing equipment Paralympic design: adaptive sailing equipment](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/09/dezeen_Paralympic-design-adaptive-sailing-equipment_5.jpg)
Modifications to the Skud18 two-person boats include custom-moulded bucket seats with electrical controls for tilting and ski-pole steering handles.
![Paralympic design: adaptive sailing equipment Paralympic design: adaptive sailing equipment](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/09/dezeen_Paralympic-design-adaptive-sailing-equipment_6.jpg)
Individual 2.4mR boats are designed specifically for each sailor.
![Paralympic design: adaptive sailing equipment Paralympic design: adaptive sailing equipment](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/09/dezeen_Paralympic-design-adaptive-sailing-equipment_7.jpg)
The finals of the Paralympic sailing events take place in Weymouth on Thursday 6th September.
![Paralympic design: adaptive sailing equipment Paralympic design: adaptive sailing equipment](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/09/dezeen_Paralympic-design-adaptive-sailing-equipment_8.jpg)
Images are by the International Association for Disabled Sailing.
![Paralympic design: adaptive sailing equipment Paralympic design: adaptive sailing equipment](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/09/dezeen_Paralympic-design-adaptive-sailing-equipment_11.jpg)
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