DISABLED SAILING
Sailing and discovering the limitless sea with the BBDouro
Teaching and practicing sailing as no limits at BBDouro. With the committed assistance of our skilled staff of skippers, our disabled sailing program on the INCA Lusíadas ForALL boat is design in accordance with the requirements and expertise of each of our sailors.
Our academy provides a singular opportunity to set off on an unforgettable sailing journey in the Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia region, regardless of your level of sailing experience.
Our main goal is to allow anyone with special needs, as well as their caregivers and family members, the chance to take sailing lessons, develop their abilities, or just take a day sailing out on the water.
At our academy, we carefully structure the journey of our sailors. For those with any special needs seeking ongoing sailing education, we offer a package of customized, disabled sailing sessions.
Depending on the sailor’s level of knowledge, the sailing lesson program is adjusted to correspond to the level of beginners or intermediate. In the beginners stage, we cover topics such as safety, maneuvers, boat setup and the basis of sailing. In the intermediate stage, we introduce more complex concepts of sailing and boat performance. New sails and onboard functions (spinnaker) are also introduced.
The lessons are taught using our Inclusive Catamaran Lusíadas ForALL catamaran.
Number of Classes: 6
Schedule: To be determined with the sailor
Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Price:
1 Person – €432.00
2 Persons – €783.00
Conditions:
- The fee includes insurance, support documents, and all safety gear.
- The use of safety gear is mandatory. They are provided by BBDouro.
- • Scheduling of lessons is subject to BBDouro’s calendar and sailors’ availability.
- There is a ramp for boarding the boat that is usable by both electric and manual wheelchairs.
- All individuals on board must be enrolled in the lesson. If the sailor needs to be accompanied by a caregiver or family member, an adjustment will be made to their lesson fee.
- All sailing lessons are conducted under the supervision of a trained instructor.
Our single private sailing lesson service is intended for those seeking an isolated experience in sailing education. Depending on the level of knowledge and abilities of the sailors, the lesson is adjusted to meet their specific needs.
The lessons are taught using our Inclusive Catamaran Lusíadas ForALL catamaran.
Number of lessons: 1
Schedule: To be determined with the sailor
Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Price:
1 Person – €80.00
2 Persons – €145.00
Conditions:
- The fee includes insurance, support documents, and all safety gear.
- The use of safety gear is mandatory. They are provided by BBDouro.
- • Scheduling of lessons is subject to BBDouro’s calendar and sailors’ availability.
- There is a ramp for boarding the boat that is usable by both electric and manual wheelchairs.
- All individuals on board must be enrolled in the lesson. If the sailor needs to be accompanied by a caregiver or family member, an adjustment will be made to their lesson fee.
- All sailing lessons are conducted under the supervision of a trained instructor.
"I had a few private sailing lessons and had a great time. The boat was easy to maneuver and very exciting. Special thanks to Gonçalo, who is very professional, has great knowledge of sailing, and enjoys teaching."
JEISA O.
MEET THE BOAT YOU'LL SAIL ON
INCLUSIVE CATAMARAN LUSÍADAS FOR ALL
The world’s first disabled sailing catamaran developed in Portugal in a partnership between BBDouro and Inclusive Sailing.
The entire vessel has been meticulously designed and is 100% adapted to the needs of this activity, ensuring a safe experience and barrier-free learning for any sailor with special needs.
ACCESSIBILITY
Anyone with special needs can operate the boat, which features systems specifically developed to allow sailors to perform various tasks on board, with or without the help of an instructor.
Its central platform can accommodate up to four conventional wheelchairs or one electric wheelchair.
OTHER INFORMATION
Maximum capacity: 8 people (4 conventional wheelchairs or 1 electric wheelchair) + 2 skippers
Dimensions:
Length – 6.50 meters
Width – 4.00 meters
Sails:
Mainsail, Jib, and Asymmetric Spinnaker
WHERE WILL YOU SAIL?
Our sailors learn to sail in a protected sailing area free from strong winds, currents, and waves – on the Douro River, in front of Douro Marina. Progression in sailors’ skills also signifies an expansion of the sailing area, gradually moving from the river to the sea, along the coastal areas of Porto, Matosinhos, and Vila Nova de Gaia, near the Douro River entrance.
WHY CHOOSE BBDOURO?
Regardless of age or physical condition, we at BBDouro are dedicated to transforming access to sailing as a regular sport in Portugal. With the assistance of our knowledgeable and committed skippers, we have been sharing our love of this sport and the sea for 11 years. Our disabled sailing lessons give people with special needs the chance to learn to sail or to enjoy a day of sailing on a boat that adjusts to each person’s skill level and needs, in a safe and comfortable setting, without the need for significant investments.
We are the only academy in the Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia region offering adapted sailing lessons, available every day of the week.
More than just disabled sailing, BBDouro has been providing sailing lessons to everyone without exception since 2018. At BBDouro, accessibility is a topic of the present and the future. This is a high priority project for us, and one that we will continue to develop in the future to come.
João Ribeiro
Disabled Sailing and Sailing Without Barriers Program
Ready to Set Sail?
IS THIS EXPERIENCE NOT WHAT YOU WERE HOPING FOR?
We can go sailing in another direction…
ADULTS ACADEMY
Welcome to BBDouro’s Adult Academy, where age and lack of time are no longer obstacles keeping any sailor from pursuing their passion for the sea and the sport.
JUNIOR ACADEMY
Welcome to BBDouro’s Junior Academy, where every weekend on the Douro River we teach children aged 5 to 18 how to sail and foster their passion for the sport and the sea.
BBDouro offers the greatest Summer and Easter camps in Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto. Children aged 5 to 15 years old will enjoy fun-filled weeks at sea, with wind, sun, and sailing.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Sailing lessons tailored to each sailor’s schedule and availability, whether they are learning with a friend or on their own.
FOILING ACADEMY
The sailing academy for daring and for any sailor who wants to improve their foiling abilities. For those who dare to fly just above the water, we offer a variety of possibilities in private lessons or training camps.
SAILING TRIALS
During a two-hour cruise along the Douro River, you will experience the unique sensation of using just the wind to move forward and feel the adrenaline of the boat gliding on the water.
