About ASN

In 2002/2003, Kathy Campbell, Chair of the CYA Disabled Sailing Committee, proposed a national organization to coordinate and support local disabled sailing programs across Canada. In late 2004, the Disabled Sailing Association of BC (DSA BC) received a grant from HRSDC to support the formation of a national accessible sailing organization.

As a first step, DSA BC conducted a survey of accessible sailing program operators across Canada. Seventeen active DSA/Able Sail programs were identified across Canada and nineteen in-depth telephone interviews were conducted to explore the need for and feasibility of this concept. Program information and operating statistics were consolidated for the first time, to produce a big picture view of the accessible sailing activity across Canada during the 2005 season.

Through the survey, common operating challenges were identified and the potential value of working together more closely was acknowledged. The Operators surveyed recommended that, to engage the participation of all stakeholders, ASN must be an association of DSA/ASP operators, organized, supported and controlled by DSA/ASP operators.

So here we go...

In January 2006, a core group of Operators agreed to form the Able Sail Network ( ASN), as an association for accessible sailing program Operators in Canada. ASN will provide a national forum for Operators to identify, discuss and address common operating issues and challenges, share methods and documents with each other, with the common goal of developing the depth and breadth of the sport/recreation of accessible sailing.

AbleSailNetwork.ca supports ASN by hosting our projects and forums and providing a permanent library that archives shared documents and resources for ASN members.

AbleSailNetwork.ca is "under construction." Right now, it's kind of like the framing of a new house or building. Over time, this framing will be sheathed, roofed, glazed, floored, lighted, plumbed, heated, decorated and furnished by Program Operators working together on a number of PROJECTS.

Anyone can REGISTER to access AbleSailNetwork.ca and participate in ASN forums and projects. Once you have registered, you will be given immediate access to AbleSailNetwork.ca and its resources and forums.

So, what are you waiting for? REGISTER NOW