A new class designed for disabled sailors, beginner sailors, and sailors with mobility challenges.
Under near-perfect conditions for a winter’s day, the first ParAble boat, built by Mackay Boats, was launched. This is a boat designed to provide the next step up in performance sailing for individuals with disabilities.
ParAble’s genesis stemmed from the observations and discussions of the Sailability Wellington Trust Inc (SWTI) Support Crew at Seaview. SWTI, New Zealand’s leading sailing programme for people with disabilities, operates with over 200 members and 70 volunteers from bases in Evans Bay, Seaview, and Onepoto (Porirua). Recognising the limitations of their Hansa 303 fleet, they identified the need for a new class of boat with greater weight capacity, higher performance, self-righting, self-bailing, and beach trolley launch capability. This initiated a 10-year project, culminating in the first batch of six production boats now sailing in Wellington Harbour.
Initial work began in a Naenae garage with a wooden prototype designed by Bruce Askew and supported by Kevin Cudby. The first prototype launched in 2019, providing valuable insights and confidence. Subsequent prototypes, Prodigal Son and Jeff Dixon, were developed with Carboglass and Tory Channel Contractors. The final design was achieved with the expertise of MacKay Boats, leading to the production of six boats launched in September 2025.
The boat features a 4.1m length, 1.5m beam, 1.4m draft, and a 75kg bulbed keel. It accommodates two to three crew members with a maximum weight of 240kg and includes adaptive seating and steering options. The sail configuration includes an 8.1m² mainsail, 3.29m² jib, and 10.58m² furling gennaker, making it suitable for both learning and performance racing. The boat is self-bailing, self-righting, and inclusive, ideal for beginners and those with physical or mental challenges. It is envisioned that ParAble will be seen as a suitable yacht for groups such as Scouts, Sea Cadets, yacht club ‘Learn to Sail’ programmes, and individual sailors who no longer have the mobility they once had.
The ParAble Class Association of New Zealand Inc, registered with Yachting New Zealand, is developing class rules for global racing under World Sailing rules. The class maintains a one-design principle with MacKay Boats as the sole builder and Doyle Sails as the sail maker. Safety rules ensure crew remain within the cockpit, prohibiting gunnel sitting and trapezes. Ongoing efforts include finalising class rules, developing training materials, and organising a class regatta. Fundraising and volunteer recruitment are continuous to support the project and Sailability Wellington’s activities.
