Paralympic preview

The Paralympic Games get underway this weekend in Beijing. The sailing events will be taking place in Qingdao, and three classes are involved: The 2.4 metre, the Skud 18 and the Soling. The sailing regatta is due to get underway on Monday 8 September, following measurement over the weekend.

The 2.4m is basically a mini 12-metre, sailed by one person who sits facing forward. Designed in 1983, it is a somewhat wet and rolly experience for the helm. Along with the 2.4m, the three-person Sonar has been in the Paralympic sailing events since their inception in 2000. New this year is the Skud 18 (pictured), a two-person keelboat with a skiff twist. The class rules stipulate that one person in the boat is required to be category 1 - heavily disabled - and the second crew member can be much more able bodied. The class also stipulates one of the crew must be a female

Visit the RYA's team homepage for all the information on the British team.