Where did the Martin 16 come from?
There’s a lot of experience and thought behind the design and innovations of the Martin 16 sloop. Sam Sullivan, founder of Disabled Sailing Association of BC, is the “Godfather” behind accessible sailing in Canada. In 1989, Sam started a program using the Sunbird sloop from Britain. After five years of program experience with the Sunbird and a prototype “sip & puff” system design, Sam had discovered all of the short-comings of the Sunbird as a platform for accessible sailing. So Sam started a project called the “High-quad Project” in 1995, to define a new boat from the ground up: one that would allow anyone to sail, including the requirements for “sip & puff” high-quadriplegic sailors. Sam envisioned everyone sailing together, with no compromises or handicaps.
Don Martin of Martin Yachts was commissioned to design the “high-quad” boat, which was to become the Martin 16. Don is absolutely brilliant at understanding and developing “outside-of-the-box” boat designs that are years ahead of their time. The Martin 16 is just one of these, and I am grateful to Don for demonstrating what an “accessible” sailboat is with the Martin 16. Though I’ve sailed lots of good boats over the years, the Martin 16 has made me realize that the design of most boats — ergonomically — is abysmal. The comfort, safety and practical accessibility of the Martin16 has changed me, and it will change you. It is a remarkable boat!
In 2002, we moved the production of the Martin 16 to Abbott Boats Inc. in Sarnia, Ontario. Abbott Boats Inc. is a family business. Started by Bill “Chief” Abbott over 50 years ago, it’s a business that Bill Abbott Jr. will tell you “we do for the love of the sport...” and it shows.
Personally, I love to innovate and to make things work better, and I am passionate about getting people sailing. My professional career in Product Development and my passion for sailing have come together in supporting the development of Disabled Sailing and developing accessible sailing technology. I travel a lot and I meet some of the finest people I know through the Martin 16 and accessible sailing programs. I’m proud to serve sailors everywhere by bringing my skills and resources to making the impossible, possible.
Martin16.com is intended to support Martin 16 sailors and DSA programs, and to provide a forum for the development of the Martin 16 Class and events everywhere.
Fair sailing!
Steve Alvey
General Manager Martin 16
INVENTURE MANAGEMENT LIMITED
403-870-7210