Accessible Sailing for People with Disabilities
Community Boating Boston Modify Sailboats for Physically Challenged
Sep 29, 2009
When people with disabilities came to the docks at Community Boating Inc. in Boston and wanted to sail, they were always welcome and accommodated. But prior to the Accessible Sailing Program, the organization was not always well prepared to handle the special needs.
According to CBI-Boston Executive Director, Charlie Zechel, in a recent phone interview, the mission of Community Boating has always been to assist anyone who comes to sail, and that extends to people with physical challenges.
How Accessible Sailing Began at Community Boating Inc. in Boston
The idea of creating an Accessible Sailing Program began in 2004 when a Community Boating member, Margaret Clarkson, approached physical therapists at several local hospitals to see if there was interest in providing sailing as part of the therapy for their clients. The physical therapists were enthusiastic about the idea and went out for a sail with CBI staff to determine what challenges their clients would face on a sailboat. The physical therapists and the staff at CBI both gained knowledge about what it would take to make this a successful encounter for those with varying disabilities.
Zechel says Community Boating Inc. had the right culture in place to take on the Accessible Sailing Program because they were committed to access to sailing for everyone and were not afraid of the challenges inherent in providing the experience of sailing for people who would require special accommodations and support.
After the initial sailing excursions with the physical therapists and clients, Zechel approached the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation that owns and oversees public parkland and provides handicapped accessibility to the parks to see if there was interest in providing accessible sailing. With their offices being close to the Charles River near the docks for Community Boating, it was an easy fit. Together they organized meetings to bring other organizations to the table that would be interested in supporting the development of the Accessible Sailing Program.
Sailboats Modified for Accessible Sailing
Community Boating Inc. Boston now has four sailboats that have been modified to accommodate people with disabilities. The modifications include seats with additional support and securing, rigging which allows for use of steering wheels, and a raised boom that goes above the heads of people seated in the boat.
The sailboats that have been modified for the Accessible Sailing Program are:
- 15’ keel Mercury sailboats
- 23’ Sonar sailboats.
They’ve also added another safety-launch motorboat for teaching and rescue, and a Hoyer lift on the dock to assist with lifting someone into and out of the sailboat.
Future of Accessible Sailing at Community Boating Boston
In the first season for the Accessible Sailing Program in 2007 there were 150 people who participated including family members. In 2008 the number rose to 300, and in 2009 there were 400. Zechel believes they’ve developed something that has proven to be successful and is growing, and the first phase of the program is complete.
The goal for Phase II is parallel with the dock restoration that is expected to be complete by the spring of 2012. When the new docks are completed, the Accessible Sailing Program’s goals are:
- offer sailing 7 days a week in the morning, afternoon, and evening
- increase instructional offerings
- secure additional equipment.
Zechel says there is never a typical day or a typical sailing experience for the Accessible Sailing Program..."just when you think every variable is figured out – something new comes up." The goal at Community Boating Inc. in Boston is to keep up with the increased demands and the expansion of the Accessible Sailing Program.
In 2008, Community Boating Inc. in Boston received the Community Sailing Council Award for Outstanding Program for Disabled Sailors at the US Sailing Conference in San Diego, CA.
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