CLAGETT SAILING

Sip and Puff Systems

What is a Sip and Puff system? How does it work?

A Sip and Puff system is an example of an adaption used for certain disabilities. With a Sip and Puff System the skipper can control the boat using their breath. A Clagett sailor, Dave Whalen, is pictured below using a Sip and Puff System to steer at Sonar in 2018. Sip and Puff Systems can be installed on a wide variety of boats, including Sonars, Martin 16s and Hansa 303s.

There are various methods to source, set up, and install a Sip and Puff System. See the resources below for more information:

Resources:

• Page 47 of the Adaptive Sailing Resource Manual details the basics of a Sip and Puff Steering System.

• The Y-Knot Program out of Lake George, NY developed a Sonar Sip and Puff System in conjunction with Gene Hinkel.

• The two Youtube videos below, from Ontario Sailing, illustrate and demonstrate the mechanisms behind the Sip and Puff System. It is important to note that this specific system uses a Windlass winch to control the sails using sip and puff, rather than steer the boat. The first video describes the sip and puff mechanics,

• The second video, below, guides the viewer on how to install a Sip and Puff system in a Martin 16,

• An article from The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine titled "Independent Sailing with High Tetraplegia Using Sip and Puff Controls: Integration into a Community Sailing Center," details the method and result of installing a Sip and Puff system in a Hansa 303.

• The article "Sip-Puff Adaptive Sailing," from Lifeboats Magazine, details how Natasha Lambert and her father, Gary, designed and implemented their own Sip and Puff System.

• Accessible Sailing Technology in Nova Scotia Canada offers a Sip and Puff system compatible with the Martin 16.