Vancouver, B.C. — December 3, 2025 — On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Adaptive Sailing Association of BC (ASABC), in partnership with the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club (RVYC) and the AbleSail Network of Canada (ASN), is proud to announce that the 2026 Mobility Cup will return to the city where it all began.
From September 8–12, 2026, sailors from across Canada and around the world will gather at Jericho Beach for the 35th anniversary edition of Canada’s premier international regatta for sailors with disabilities.
Launched in Vancouver in 1991 by accessibility advocate and Disability Foundation founder Sam Sullivan, the Mobility Cup has grown from a local idea into a global symbol of inclusion, innovation, and independence. Known widely as the “Regatta of Possibility,” it demonstrates the belief that anyone can sail, regardless of physical ability.
A Homecoming 35 Years in the Making
“The Mobility Cup began as a simple idea more than thirty years ago: to give people with disabilities the chance to experience the freedom and joy of sailing,” said Sam Sullivan, founder of the regatta. “Since then, the event has grown far beyond anything I imagined, inspiring disability sailing programs across Canada and around the world.
It is especially meaningful to see the regatta return to Vancouver, home of the Martin 16—a boat that allows even those with high-level disabilities to race using technologies like sip-and-puff. Watching how far the Mobility Cup has come is one of the great joys of my life.”
Local sailor excitement is already building:
“I love it, and I can’t wait to sail at Mobility Cup next year at home in Vancouver,” said Gerry Burns, long-time ASABC sailor.
A Legacy for the Future
In addition to five days of racing, the Mobility Cup creates a lasting legacy for each host city—improved accessibility, expanded adaptive sport programs, volunteer engagement, and new opportunities for people with disabilities to experience independence on the water.
The 2026 event will rely on more than 100 volunteers, accessible facilities at the Jericho Sailing Centre, and community partners committed to advancing inclusive sport. Sponsorships will help strengthen the legacy of the 2026 Mobility Cup by funding adaptive equipment, accessible dock upgrades, and expanded year-round sailing opportunities.
A full media kit and sponsorship package will be released in early 2026.
About the Mobility Cup
Founded in 1991 in Vancouver, the Mobility Cup is Canada’s annual international regatta for sailors with disabilities. Hosted each year by a different city and governed by the AbleSail Network of Canada, the event champions the belief that anyone can sail.
Website: www.mobilitycup.com/en
The official announcement for the 2026 Mobility Cup will take place at 1:00 PM on December 3rd at our IDPWD gathering at Heritage Hall (3102 Main Street, Vancouver).If you’d like to schedule interviews or answer any other questions you might have, email abarabadi@disabilityfoundation.org.