Jon and CharlieAbout us

Hi, my name is Jon Kirk. I’ve been a keen sailor from the age of 10, sailing a range of boats from dinghies to super yachts in New Zealand, Europe, and the Caribbean. I came up with the idea of setting up The Disabled Sailing Trust after my son Charlie was born in 2004 with Down’s syndrome. Through Charlie’s disability, I have met many other families with disabled members who find everyday life a struggle. They survive on sheer ‘guts and determination’ usually with limited means and few opportunities to do something special in the way of an adventure.

The Disabled Sailing Trust New Zealand has been set up to provide an opportunity for disabled people and their families to have fun and adventure together which would otherwise be logistically and financially beyond them.