April 4, 2022
2 minutes reading time
GUEST EDITORIAL: For the love of sailing by Cristina Rubke
We all need an escape and something that truly captures our attention. For Cristina Rubke, a Para sailor from San Francisco who was born with arthrogryposis, a rare condition that makes her unable to use her arms or legs, sailing offers freedom and the chance to immerse herself in the moment. Her words below remind us why this sport is so unique and special.
I have a great career as a lawyer but of course it can be hectic. In the week I spend long hours in the office, on the phone or at my computer. But when I head out onto the water, I am no longer thinking about the long list of things that I need to do. Sailing gives me the opportunity to be outside, enjoy the fresh air and do something completely different that really captures my attention.
I first got into the sport back in 2007 when a group of sailors invited me along to their club, the Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors. From that moment, I became completely addicted to the sport and wanted to do it as often as I could.
Many people may find it hard to imagine me sailing and competing as I have a significant disability that they can see quite clearly. This is where Para Sailing is truly unique. It is probably the most inclusive of the adaptive sports and is a sport where a person with a significant disability can compete equally with people who have no disabilities at all. Few sports offer this opportunity and freedom!
When racing on a Hansa Liberty for example, I use a joystick under my chin. It has two switches that connect to the sails, and I move it right/left for rudder control or up/down to bring the sails in and out. I also compete as a duo with Chris Sheppey, who is a blind sailor. He is very physically strong so can do all the lines. I tell him what I am seeing on the racecourse, where I see the pressure and where I think we should go. We make for a great sailing team!
I have such a passion for the sport and believe it should be reinstated at the Paralympics. People can get a better understanding of the sport if they see it at that level. The broader the audience, the broader the support and I would like to imagine a future where young and upcoming sailors can realise their dreams at the Paralympics and prove anything is possible!