• Team Paradise is a truly unique sailing organization that gives the disabled community an opportunity to sail at all levels of expertise, ranging from recreational enjoyment to training for world-class competitions. Our founder, Magnus Liljedahl (pronounced LEELLCHEDAWL), is a gold medal Olympic and World Champion sailor, 6-time Bacardi Cup Champion, 4-time North American Champion, 3-time European Champion, Rolex Yachtsman of the Year, and ISAF World Sailor of the Year. As if that wasn't enough to have felt a sense of accomplishment in life, Magnus will tell you none of those medals compares to the life fulfillment he receives from being the Executive Director of Team Paradise Sailing. The organization was created by Magnus in 2005, who decided to share his expertise with those with disabilities through coaching, sailing lessons, and equipment, to compete in national and international competition, also known as regattas. Team Paradise Sailing develops athletes for the Paralympic Summer Games. Participants of his program have achieved the podium not only at World Cup events but also at the 2008 and 2012 Paralympic Games.

Sailing is an ideal sport for people with physical and visual disabilities because it is more of a mental sport with physical interactions than a purely physical sport. Adaptation equipment compensates for physical disabilities to allow sailors to participate on an equal basis with able-bodied people. Generally, the disabled population wants to interact with the able-bodied population and sailing is a perfect sport for this. Boats don't know if a leg is missing or if the driver, or crew, suffers any other physical impairment. Sailors with disabilities can learn the skills to cruise around the bay with friends or compete on an international level.  In short, sailing is one of the few sports in the world where people with disabilities can win open events against able-bodied competitors.  Sailing also develops societal skills such as leadership, teamwork and self-reliance.  Racing sailboats requires knowledge of the elements, and one has to be able to read what they can't see, namely the wind. Strategy, tactics and racing rules are other important components needed to master the sport.