Accessibility & Sustainability Go Hand-in-Hand  - Sailors for the Sea

Accessibility & Sustainability Go Hand-in-Hand 

 April 1, 2026  | By: Emily Conklin

We are thrilled to welcome our first new member of our Clean Class Initiative in 2026, the Hansa Class. The Hansa Class champions the idea of “sailing for everyone” and is the first member of our initiative focused on parasailing. With over 2800 Hansa sailboats on the water in 35 countries throughout the world, we look forward to collaborating to introduce their members to more sustainability initiatives.  

Since the first Hansa design in 1992, Hansa Sailing Systems’ principal and designer Chris Mitchell has been leading the design and development of accessible boats. Hansa Sailing Systems and Japan Universal Socio Engineering Research Institute (Japan USER), work closely to promote the concept of “sailing for everyone”. In an ideal world, access should not disadvantage anyone going about their everyday life. The company’s association with disabled sailing came about because Mitchell’s designs are weighted to avoid capsize and because he spent many years refining the boats’ fit-outs to make it possible for people of any age and ability to go sailing without fear. As such, the boats were adopted by Sailability and other disabled sailing organizations internationally. 

Hansa Sailing aims to combine simplicity in design with value for money.  The company strives to achieve efficient manufacturing procedures and minimal waste, provide an enriching and positive workplace for its employees, and minimize negative impacts on the environment. Vice President Development, Shauna Phillips shares, “The International Hansa Class Association are pleased to partner with Sailors for the Sea in their important work in looking after our waterways. Being more mindful and respectful of our impact on and off the water ensures a safer and better environment for sailors and for the flora and fauna that call it their home.”   

With their emphasis on environmental impact and accessibility to all, the Hansa Class is a perfect fit for the Clean Class Initiative. “We were honored to meet Shauna and Hansa Class members at the World Sailing Conference in 2025,” says Program Manager Emily Conklin. “Their enthusiasm for our programs and belief that protecting our world’s oceans is evident, and we look forward to working together to improve the impact of Hansa events worldwide.”  

As a World Sailing class, the Hansa Class participated in the 2025 World Sailing Inclusion Championships, a Platinum level Clean Regatta hosted in Oman. We look forward to many further high-level events to come with Hansa sailors around the world!  

All photos courtesy of World Sailing and the Hansa Class.