At the 1986 Vancouver Expo, then 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 presented the boat to Sam Sullivan, who subsequently used it to help found the Disabled Sailing Association of BC (DSA). Within a few short years, DSA had a total of 16 specially adapted Sunbird sailboats in three British Columbia Chapters -- Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna.

A breakthrough came in 1993, when Sip 'n’ Puff controls were added to one of the Sunbirds. This technology opened the world of sailing to “high quads” -- those with little or no upper body mobility. Through pneumatic switches they can control the boat. Although the Sunbird remained functional, the equipment and safety modifications required for Sip ‘n’ Puff technology affected the performance of the boat and prompted DSA to search for an alternative.

Today, at the heart of the program, is the Martin 16 sailboat-- a vessel designed and built in Vancouver that is becoming the standard for disabled sailors everywhere. The Martin 16 is unsinkable, maneuverable and fast. It can be easily equipped with the Sip 'n' Puff system, which allow even quadriplegics to sail the Martin 16 unimpeded.