A scoring system that assigns points based on level of ability allows athletes from different disability groups to compete together in this Paralympic sport.
After the evaluation of athletes with a functional disability by the Classification Committee, they are awarded points, based on their functional abilities, ranging from one to seven, standing for the lowest and the highest level of functionality, respectively. Athletes with a visual impairment are placed into one of three competition classes, based on their visual acuity and field of vision.
To ensure the participation of athletes with all point counts and from all classes of disability, there is a maximum point count, which a crew of three persons must not exceed: the aggregate of its members' points must not be over 14. This enables sailors with a more severe physical disability to take part in the Paralympics.
(BOCOG September 8, 2008)