• Since 1988, sailing opportunities have been offered to all New Zealand blind people through the New Zealand Council for Sailing for the Blind and Vision Impaired Inc.
• The Council is formed by representatives of the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, blind sailors themselves and supporters.
• The foremost aim of the Council is to involve more blind and sighted volunteers, in all New Zealand centres, in all types of sailing experience.
• The executive deals with the day by day business of the council.
• Of course, sighted volunteers are essential for safety and to advise, but blind sailors are trained to carry out all boat handling duties.
• Many blind New Zealanders sail regularly with their sighted volunteers. Some own their own yachts.
• There are a number of regattas and sailing schools held throughout the year as well as a regular sailing school for juniors conducted by professional coaches.
• The Council is particularly proud of it's International competitive record, having won a World Title at all five world championships attended since its formation.

NEW ZEALAND BLIND SAILING GROUPS

• The first club formed especially for the blind is the Auckland Blind Sailing Club which is affiliated to the Council and owns and operates two boats. There are other active affilliated clubs or groups at Tauranga, Rotorua, Kerikeri and a group dedicated to cruising.
• A continuing development drive aims to establish more blind sailing "Cells", clubs and groups in New Zealand centres.
• Blind Sailing New Zealand maintain a website http://www.sailingblind.org.nz and publish an eight page newsletter on a regular basis.

AFFILLIATIONS

• The Council is affiliated to the Yachting New Zealand, Blind Sailing International and Blind Sport New Zealand.