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Adaptive Sailing!

Nine colorful Hansa 303 dinghies being towed in a line away from the dock

Hansa 303W dinghies at the Schooner Parade 2020

Sail With Us!


Sailing is a powerful way for people to push their limits and capture independence and freedom.

This year, we are offering racing on the Hansa 303s, with coaching available! For more information, email info@downtownsailing.org

The DSC's docks are equipped with accessible ramps, Hoyer lifts and plenty of shaded space. This is a no-cost, volunteer-supported program that allows individuals with disabilities to experience the freedom of sailing and learn to sail.

Access-ability Saturdays Sailing

The Access-ability program is an open house sailing event for anyone with a disability. Sailors are welcome to come to the Downtown Sailing Center (DSC) to be coached and supported by a tireless group of volunteers, friends and family. Check in starts at 9:45 am, and sailing time is from 10:00am until 12:00pm.

Three options for sailing are offered: 

  • single- or double-handing a Hansa Access 303 dinghy, with sailing instruction and racing available
  • Instruction for learning to sail aboard a Sonar 23 (with skipper and crew aboard)
  • "Therapeutic Recreation"; a skipper and crew will take you for a sail around the harbor on a Freedom 20

The boats we offer:

  • Hansa Access 303 Dinghy- (pictured at top of page) a one- to two-person sailboat specifically designed for people with limited mobility or require trunk support. They are easy to sail, perfect for learning and can be sailed solo, or with a family member or friend. You will receive coaching assistance on the water from a power boat, with the option to participate in racing. 
  • Freedom 20 keelboat-this boat is recommended for those who require trunk support and stability.  You will sail with a skipper and 1 crew, and we encourage you to take a turn at the helm!
  • Sonar 23 keelboat-this boat is easily adapted and boasts a roomy cockpit for comfort. You will sail with a skipper and 1 crew, and we encourage you to haul a line or two and take a turn at the helm!
Please indicate your preference upon registration! Registration opens one month before each event.

Sonar 23 keelboats lined up at the dock, pointed into the wind with sails hoisted

     Sonar 23 keelboats

Hoyer lift transfer assistance is available for boarding/disembarking any of our boats. We will provide all safety equipment, including life jackets. Please see our FAQ page for more information about this program!

2023 Research Project

 

Shanna, a University of Michigan-Flint Occupational Therapy Doctorate program student, will be joining us this sailing season 2023 to complete her Capstone Research Project on “The Impact of Accessible Sailing on Quality of Life”. 


 Shanna worked as a social worker with Community Mental Health and the Shelter Association in Michigan.  Prior to starting her doctorate program at UM-Flint, she spent time as a live-aboard crew member on the Appledore II Schooner tall ship sailing the southbound transit from Camden, ME to Key West, FL. Her love for sailing continued to grow after joining the crew on Appledore IV Schooner tall ship sailing the Great Lakes. You'll find her asking questions and gathering information to help develop sailing as an adaptive sport accessible for everyone.


If you wish to participate in this research project, please email rena@downtownsailing.org.

Racing!

In 2023, we will be launching an Adaptive racing program. We welcome any Adaptive sailors who can commit to training and instruction (including beginner). If you are interested or have any questions, please email rena@downtownsailing.org.

Two Adaptive sailors sailing colorful dinghies in Baltimore harbor

Zoltan and Lionel strategizing before the race (photo courtesy of Deborah Davis)

Volunteer!

Our Adaptive program is supported by volunteers, and we welcome all types of help

from greeters and escorts to those who can rig the Hansa Access Dinghies.


Sailing experience is not required; just compassion, a willingness to learn, and a desire to have fun! 

Sailing in Action!

We offer special discounted rates for organizations or groups of individuals with disabilities. Sailing events are for groups of 5-35 people using our Hansa 303W dinghies and keelboats. While this is on a pay-what-you-can basis, we recommend $50 per person contribution. Please email info@downtownsailing.org for more information.

We thank these sponsors for their donations which help us provide Access-ability Sailing to all!

           

    

___________________________________________________________

The Downtown Sailing Center

Est 1994
1425 Key Highway, Suite 110, Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 727-0722 • info@downtownsailing.org

Liability Waiver

A strong community is a healthy community - if you feel sick, please stay home!