SV14 - A new vision for Inclusive Sailing

In the competitive sailing scene, an innovative endeavour is making waves – the SV14 sailboat, a beacon of inclusivity designed to open the sport to sailors with disabilities.

“We want to change the perception of what’s possible in sailing,” Peter says.

The SV14 is not just a boat; it’s a mission to transform sailing into a sport everyone can enjoy, regardless of physical ability.

This vision found allies in naval architect Alex Simonis-Maarten Voogd and Paralympic sailor, Russell Vollmer, who brought the SV14 from a sketch on a paper napkin from the Royal Cape Yacht Club in Cape Town to a competitive reality together. Simonis led the design with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity, while Vollmer, who participated in the 2000 Sydney Paralympics, is a test pilot and an advisor.

“This project was an opportunity to open sailing to everyone,” Simonis reflects on his drive to design a boat that balances competitive edge with accessibility.

Vollmer’s first sail in the SV14 was a revelation: “It was a game-changer,” he recalls, emphasising the boat’s potential to redefine adaptive sailing.

Originating in Thailand, this project is a testament to collaborative innovation, spearheaded by the award-winning Dutch design office Simonis-Voogd, with the support of Fareast Yachts in Shanghai.

The SV14’s design is a marvel of ingenuity, featuring unique elements such as a special tilting seat arrangement to enhance comfort and safety for all types of sailors. The tilted seat and various options ensure that sailors with various physical challenges can participate more easily and securely in the sport they love.

The construction of the SV14 by Fareast Yachts in Shanghai, at cost, ensures that this transformative vessel remains accessible to a wider public. Inspired by the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s passion for introducing sailing to the Thai people, the project underscores a dual mission: to promote sailing and to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities, offering them the freedom and joy of sailing, whether for leisure or competition.

The impact of the SV14 on the inclusive sailing landscape is profound. Sailors have found the SV14 not just a vessel that accommodates their needs but also a symbol of freedom and inclusion, and that’s why the boat made the PWSC (Para World Sailing Committees) list of “Para preferred” classes. This sentiment is echoed in the growing interest from sailing communities worldwide, highlighting the SV14’s role in charting a course towards a more inclusive future in sailing.

Yet, as Jacobs reminds us, “Our work isn’t done. This is about more than building boats, we’re building a community.” The SV14 project is a call to action for support through sponsorships, volunteering, and spreading awareness to propel sailing into an ever more inclusive future where the winds carry everyone forward.

The SV14 stands as a testament to the power of collaborative innovation in breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity in sailing. It’s a bold step forward, combining innovative design with a community-driven approach to ensure sailing is accessible and enjoyable for everyone, charting a course towards a more inclusive horizon on the waters.

Whether you’re an avid sailor, a champion for inclusivity, or someone who believes in the power of community, you have a role in this wave of change.

If you are ready to set sail, visit SV14.org to learn more about how you can contribute to a more inclusive sailing future.