At Expo 86, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher donated a British made Sunbird sailboat to Rick Hansen in honour of his "Man in Motion World Tour". In 1988 Rick Hansen presented this boat to Sam Sullivan, who subsequently used it to found the Disabled Sailing Association of BC.

In 1991, Sam Sullivan -- quadriplegic founder of the Disabled Sailing Association of BC -- envisioned a sailing regatta where people would come together, to promote public awareness of the capacities of people with disabilities and to provide those with disabilities the opportunity to participate in a world class event.

Under Sam Sullivan's inspiration and through the use of innovative Canadian technology, Canada has become a leader in making sailing accessible to people with severe disabilities. "High quad" sailors -- those with no function below the neck -- are invited from around the globe to participate in Mobility Cup, sailing on a "level playing field" with their colleagues, steering their Martin 16 sloop and trimming the sails with their breath!

Mobility Cup has become "Canada's showcase" for the development of sailing programs for the disabled. Local and national media find Mobility Cup very newsworthy, and increase awareness and involve the public by inviting them to volunteer to run the event.

Mobility Cup is an event the competitors never forget! Every year, participants in Mobility Cup regatta take their experience and enthusiasm home with them, and initiate new DSA programs, sharing the freedom and excitement of sailing with other people with disabilities in their community.

The Mobility Cup is recognized as Canada's International Regatta for Sailors with Disabilities. Through the use of innovative Canadian technology Canada has become a leader in making sailing accessible to people with severe disabilities. Disabled people from around the word are invited to participate in Mobility Cup.

Today the boat used by disabled sailing programs is the Martin 16 sailboat. The Martin 16 is unsinkable, maneuverable and fast. It can easily be equipped with a Sip 'n' Puff system that allows even "high quads" - those with little or no upper body mobility - to discover or return to the world of sailing.