Yachting Malta’s efforts to promote inclusion in sailing has been an ongoing project since 2022 when it purchased the first three Hansa 303 Class boats and presented them to three of Malta’s four sailing schools.
Following this initiative by Yachting Malta, the fourth Hansa 303 Class boat was presented to the Royal Malta Yacht Club by AGORA Malta, a women’s voluntary organisation, represented by 208 clubs in 24 different countries.
This was announced by the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Aaron Farrugia during a visit to the Royal Malta Yacht Club to commemorate this event.
AGORA’s philosophy of service tied in with Yachting Malta’s initiative to promote inclusivity was welcomed by members in the yachting community. The necessary funds were raised by means of two events hosted by Agora last year.
“Sailing has long been a symbol of freedom and adventure, allowing individuals to harness the power of the wind and explore the vast expanse of the open water. For individuals with disabilities, the dream of sailing might seem distant, but thanks to innovations in adaptive sports, that dream is becoming a reality” said AGORA Malta’s President, Nikki Dandria Griscti.
Minister Aaron Farrugia said that this investment is another step in the right direction which further consolidates the initiatives taken by Yachting Malta in 2022. “Such initiatives are part of the yachting sector’s development as an accessible and sustainable economic niche, benefiting both the sports and tourism sectors in our country,” concluded Minister Farrugia.
The Hansa 303, which is sailed in over 28 countries and is a recognised World Sailing Class vessel, is a shining example of inclusivity and empowerment thanks to its adaptive design which caters to a wide array of disabilities.
“In a society that is increasingly recognizing the importance of diversity and accessibility, the Hansa 303 reminds us that barriers can be broken and horizons expanded. As this exceptional sailboat class continues to make waves in the world of adaptive sports, it demonstrates that the wind knows no bounds, and neither should our aspirations,” explained Yachting Malta CEO, Michael Mifsud.
Yachting Malta’s ongoing efforts to promote sailing for persons with a disability have gone further with the launch of Sailability whereby it is assisting sailing schools to develop the sports further.
Attending the presentation was Transport Malta CEO Jonathan Borg and Yachting Malta Chairman Chris Agius.
