Latest News

14 Dec 2007	First SKUD 18 delivered in Spain
14 Dec 2007	Access classes growing in France
14 Dec 2007	New Access 2.3 Fleet for Changi
14 Dec 2007	Xtreme Satisfaction

A SKUD 18 has now arrived in Spain

First SKUD 18 delivered in Spain

David Staley, Friday, 14 December 2007

The first SKUD 18 has recently arrived in Spain. Purchased by the Fundación También, the boat will initially be based in Denia (Alicante) and used as part of a regional high performance program.

According to the Access Agent for Spain, Toni Castells from RS Veleros, there are many sailors keen to try out the SKUD 18 in its various configurations. It is expected that Spain will develop a campaign in the SKUD for the 2012 Paralympic Sailing Competition in the UK.

RS Veleros is a strong supporter of the emerging Sailability programs in Spain and promotes the annual multi-class Sailability Regatta in Barcelona that has included the Access 303 and Liberty.

The company has displayed the Access classes at the Barcelona International Boat Show and will exhibit the SKUD 18 in Madrid next year.

Other Links
RS Veleros Website
Sailability Spain Website

Toni Castells from RS Veleros, Access Agents for Spain

Gone Sailing! - Sailability Spain

Access boats at the Sailability Regatta in Barcelona

Access boats are the centre of the Sailability program in Spain

Access agents Alain & Agnes Inzelrac with Marie-Claire Durand at Yacht Club de Meze, France
Photograph:David Staley

Access classes growing in France

David Staley, Friday, 14 December 2007

Nearly thirty new Access boats have been delivered within France during 2007. The number of Access 2.3s and 303s is steadily growing and Coques en Stock, the Access Agent for France and Switzerland, is looking forward to introducing the SKUD 18 to France in the near future.

Company principals, Alain & Agnes Inzelrac, have worked closely over the past two years with La Voile Ensemble, the network of accessible sailing programs and the French Access Class Association. This period has seen strong growth in the number of recreational sailing programs and the development of racing opportunities.

Coques en Stock have recently commenced working with the FIV accredited Sailing School at Meze in southern France, where Access boats are being used as part of their mainstream learn to sail and race programs. This is seen as an important pilot project within the region to demonstrate that sailing is a sport in which everyone can participate.

“The Access classes are ideal for people of all abilities”, said Alain Inzelrac. “The program at Meze will be using the versatile Access 303 to provide independent sailing opportunities to those `sailors unable to manage a conventional dinghy”.

New Access 2.3 Fleet for Changi

David Staley, Friday, 14 December 2007

In October, the Changi Sailing Club launched its new fleet of Access 2.3’s used in its popular Sailability program. Nine new boats were delivered by Xtreme Sailing Products to the club located on the eastern end of Singapore Island.

The fleet was launched by Mrs SR Nathan at a gala event on October 20. Through its Sailability program, Changi Sailing Club will not only continue its support for people with a disability. It aims to inspire and provide participation opportunities for the able-bodied, beginners, young children and the elderly. Using the Access classes provides a level playing field and the club is encouraging sailors with a disability and able-bodied sailors to get on the water together.

Each of the boats were sponsored by a corporate supporter of the Changi Sailing Club’s Sailability Program. Access Sailing and Xtreme Sailing Products were pleased to jointly sponsor the ninth boat.

We wish Changi Sailing Club all the best with their program.

Xtreme Satisfaction

David Staley, Friday, 14 December 2007

Xtreme Sailing Products (XSP), based in Singapore and with its manufacturing operation in nearby Batam, Indonesia, is now producing the entire Access fibreglass range for Access Sailing. Boats produced by XSP have already been shipped to customers in 12 countries within Asia, Europe and North America.

The company produces a wide variety of quality dinghies – Optimist, International Cadet, Pacer, 420, Tasar and 29er, along with a Formula 18 Catamaran, Platu Keelboat and Racing Kayaks. XSP is owned and managed by Australian expatriates Paul Paterson and Tim Ross, who have built a strong international reputation for building competitive boats of a very high standard.

“Moving our fibreglass laminating and assembly processes to XSP has been a significant step”, said Access Sailing’s Managing Director, Chris Mitchell. “The company has more than lived up to its reputation. XSP are delivering more consistent quality than we could achieve in our Dandenong plant and have also innovated the manufacturing process”.

“We are delighted with the working relationship with XSP and the excellent standard they are delivering for Access Sailing, its agents and customers”, said Mitchell.