Sustainability Spotlight - Samoa Sailability Program

This effort marks a significant stride toward inclusivity within the sailing community, and in partnership with the Samoa Sailing Association and the Apia Yacht Club, the Samoa Sailability Program has been able to overcome barriers to participation, and improve facilities to allow the sport to prosper. 

Alongside promoting diversity and accessibility within sailing, the Samoa Sailability Program, in partnership with Apia Yachting Club, actively engages in community education on marine conservation, responsible plastic disposal, and sustainable water use, while installation of stable pontoons along the seawall and plans for conducting First Aid and Safety courses demonstrates a long-term commitment to accessibility, safety, and sustainability.     

The Samoa Sailability Program is also targeting a 30% increase in female participation, further promoting gender equity in the sport. 

Leader of the project, Raema von Reiche, President of the Samoa Sailing Association, believes the example set in Samoa can inspire similar programs in neighbouring Pacific Island nations, spreading inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability values in sailing across the region. 

She said, “The Samoa Sailability Program stands as a shining example of how inclusivity, accessibility, and environmental responsibility can be integrated into the heart of a sport, aligning perfectly with World Sailing’s Sustainability Agenda 2030. Our purpose is to create a more diverse, accessible, and environmentally responsible sailing community, making sailing truly inclusive for all.” 

The program began on 1 September 2023 and runs through until 1 January 2024, and is currently on track to meet this target. As the Samoa Sailability Program continually expands and refines its initiatives, Raema anticipates even more profound positive impacts on the sailing community and beyond, year over year. 

“To replicate our sustainability efforts, those interested in starting a Sailability program can rely on the Samoa Sailing Association’s support. This includes comprehensive documentation, professional training, knowledge sharing, and budget permitting, in-person coaching,” she says. 

One major obstacle which is being overcome is improvements to infrastructure. Facilities fall short in being able to accommodate individuals with disabilities but through fundraising and donations, the primary goal of installing a C Crane, establishing a stable pontoon, and acquiring a rescue boat will ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for individuals with disabilities to experience the joy of sailing. 

Sailability Australia kindly donated Hansa 2.3 boats to allow the program to grow, and an inaugural planned collaboration with American Samoa includes knowledge-sharing, documentation, and training partnership opportunities. 

Von Reiche adds, “We actively strive to break down barriers by offering individuals with disabilities the opportunity to savour the excitement of sailing. We collaborate extensively with schools, government entities, charitable organisations, and various partners to spread awareness, identify aspiring sailors, and provide comprehensive support. We also encourage gender diversity by hosting specialised programs for girls and women in sailing. 

“Through a combination of infrastructure enhancements, safety protocols, and professional management, we are actively propelling the sailing community toward a future that is more diverse, accessible, and sustainable – one where sailing truly belongs to everyone.” 

The Samoa Sailability Program also aims to collaborate with local disability support groups and educational institutions to identify potential participants and invest in adaptive equipment to be able to offer fully inclusive sailing experiences.   

By forging close ties with organisations supporting individuals with disabilities, the Samoa Sailability Program aims to introduce more people to the benefits of sailing. The next step will be to seek partnerships with schools and sports organisations to actively promote sailing. By following these steps and fostering strategic collaborations, similar initiatives, individuals, or organisations across the region will be able to replicate the success of Samoa’s sustainability efforts and grow sailing in Oceania, making it a sport for all. 

Follow the progress of the Samoa Sailability Program on Facebook.