Freedom of movement, gliding sylph-like over blue-green waters, sharing the challenge of mastering the wind – these are just a few of the sensations that make sailing an enjoyable pastime and competitive sport.

Sailing is an activity that allows the participant to set their own pace and level of activity – and leave their disability on shore. 

From coast to coast there are numerous sailing associations that offer their boats and volunteers to let people of all abilities experience the thrill of doing something on the water. Whether a person is just along for the ride, or wants to captain the ship, there are boats that can be adapted for seating and control, and many organizations eager to get people out on the open water.

Martin 16s are widely used in adaptive sailing programs because they are unsinkable, and designed to allow sailors with disabilities to compete on the same playing field as others without disabilities. The Martin 16 is a two-person, 16-foot, high-performance sailboat. With the addition of the latest in computer technology and adaptations, the Martin 16 can readily accommodate racing sailors with severe and significant disabilities.

Sonars are 23-foot keelboats designed by Bruce Kirby. Kirby, the former editor of Yacht Racing, now known as Sailing World, also designed sailboats, and is best known for designing the Laser.

Sonars have spacious cockpits, a large sail area, and an inboard tiller. The high boom, angled back bench seats, and high coamings (frames to keep out water) make this boat ideal for accessible sailing and a favorite among day sailors. Sonar is the keelboat-of-choice for the Paralympics as well as a growing international class.

“Everybody can sail,” says Samantha Haney, Board President of the Footloose Sailing Association, Seattle, a DS/USA chapter. “There’s no limit to finding out how far you can go on a sailboat.”

Footloose offers basic and intermediate sailing classes and has nine boats modified to accommodate people of all abilities, including two advanced sailboats that use “sip and puff” technology to control the vessel. “There’s nothing on a boat that can not be adapted,” she said.

With a current CPR certificate, sailors who pass the basic class are entitled to skipper guests in dinghies, and those who pass the intermediate level may skipper guests on the keelboats.

Footloose outings are held from May through October on Lake Washington, Lake Union, or Puget Sound. Events include day sailing, regattas, and an overnight cruise across Puget Sound to Blake Island.

“If someone wants to sail, we show up,” Haney says.

For more information on Footloose, visit their Web site at www.footloosesailing.org.

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, a DS/USA chapter, in collaboration with the Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center runs the Adaptive Watersports Program (AWP) on Lake Champlain. The sailing center has three Sonars, a Martin 16, and an access dinghy to suit sailors of all abilities. Boats are available for private rental to the experienced sailor.

“Sailboats have adaptive seating, and controls and riggings to accommodate persons with low abilities,” says Executive Director Erin Fernandez. “People just need to take the first step, and make the call.”

“Participation in a challenging sport like sailing builds confidence and self esteem,” says Fernandez. “And people just really enjoy being outdoors,” she adds.

The sailing season starts mid-June and ends in mid-September with lesson reservations available Tuesday through Friday.

For more information, call the Watersports Coordinator at 802-343-1193, or visit vermontadaptive.org.

STRIDE, Rensselear, New York, a DS/USA chapter, offers the chance to learn to sail rigged sloops, at Camp Chingachgook on Lake George, and at the New York Sailing School in the New Rochelle, N.Y., marina.

Participants learn to sail rigged sloops after five weeks of indoor classroom instruction, followed by a weekend of sailing. Classes are held during the summer evenings, with format provided by the “Start Sailing Right” manual of the American Red Cross and U.S. Sailing. Individual learning needs are addressed and boats are adapted to meet individual needs.

The West Chester County, New Rochelle program offers the chance to learn to sail rigged sonar keelboats, morning sailing after each of the four weeks of indoor classroom instruction each weekend.

For the Lake George Sailing Program, call Rosemary Corsi, reservation receptionist at: 518-383-8561. To reserve your spot for the New Rochelle Sailing Program, call Pete Corsi at:  914-393-6928.

More information about STRIDE can be found on their Web site at www.stride.org.

Shake-A-Leg-Newport established the first adaptive sailing program, and has been used as a model program throughout the United States. From the fully accessible facility at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, R.I., five custom-designed Freedom 20s and Sonars are available to persons with physical and developmental disabilities. Certified instructors operate the program from June through September.

For more information, email timf@shakealeg.org, phone 401-849-8898, or visit www.shakealeg.org.

Sail-Habilitation, Toms River, N.J., a DS/USA chapter, is a community-based program that provides recreational, instructional, and competitive sailing opportunities for persons with physical disabilities and other special needs.

The Sail-Habilitation program runs May 1 – October 31 and consists of programs for levels of various sailing abilities:

Recreational sailing – Participants experience the joy of sailing while being instructed in boating safety and encouraged to actively participate in the operations of the sailboat as their abilities permit.

Instructional sailing – Teaches basic sailing and includes dockside lectures. The special needs of each challenged individual are addressed and accommodated.

Competitive sailing – Available for those with adequate skills for sailboat racing.