On an international level, sailing for athletes with a disability began in the 1980s. The first International Handicap Trophy Regatta was held in Switzerland followed by others in Germany, the Netherlands, France, and, again, the Netherlands.

In 1988, the International Handicap Sailing Committee (IHSC) was established. It organized regattas, provided a forum for exchanging information and acted as a medium for promoting sailing for persons with a disability. However, it was not until 1990 that sailing was accepted as a demonstration sport into the World Games for people with a disability.

In 1991, IHSC was recognised by the world sailing body, the IYRU (subsequently became ISAF) and was renamed the International Foundation for Disabled Sailing (IFDS).

The 1992 World Disabled Sailing Championships were held in Spain alongside (but not part of) the Barcelona 1992 Paralympics. The subsequent championships experienced an extended participation beyond Western Europe and the US to include teams from Australia and Armenia.

The Atlanta 1996 Paralympics were a great success for sailing as an exhibition event, leading to its acceptance as a full medal sport for the Sydney 2000 Paralympics.

Furthermore, many sailors with a disability compete, depending on the level of ability, as crew or helmsman in able-bodied competition. Competing at an equal level is however difficult and sometimes impossible since the boat classes used by able-bodied sailors do not always ensure a level playing field. Within the 'big yachting' world, sailors with a disability have circumnavigated the globe without any assistance.

(BOCOG September 8, 2008)