Sailing

Special Olympics sailing is one of Special Olympics' newer sports, having been included in the World Games for the first time in 1995. The 1999 Special Olympics World Games hosted 82 sailors from 6 countries.

Special Olympics sailing has training and competition opportunities for individual and teams of Special Olympics athletes; as well as, Unified Sports® teams. Unified Sports® allows athletes with and without intellectual disabilities [mental retardation] compete as part of a crew.

The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall govern all regattas. As an international sports program, Special Olympics has created these rules based upon the International Yacht Racing Association (IYRA). IYRA rules shall be employed except when they are in conflict with the official Special Olympics Sports Rules. In such cases, the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall apply.