Adaptive Sailing Sail To Prevail

Record last updated 2022/06/21 Comment on this info .Update this info

Narrative

Sail To Prevail creates opportunities for disabled children and adults to overcome adversity through therapeutic sailing.

The Adaptive Sailing program operates from docks at Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI, in the months of June, July and August, five days a week. We offer these ways for individuals to conquer their disability:  (1) adaptive instructional sailing; (2) recreational sailing for children with critical illness; and (3) competitive sailing for individuals with disabilities.

New sailors and experienced sailors are welcome! 

 Scholarships and partial scholarships are available for low-income individuals.  No one has ever been turned away due to their financial restraints.

Sailing and other participatory activities can be important for the continued physical, mental and societal integration successes of people with physical or developmental disabilities. Sailing rejuvenates the mind and provides an opportunity to rebuild confidence and experience progress. The Sail To Prevail Adaptive Sailing program promotes the 'ability' not the disability of its sailors. Participants are not merely “taken for a boat ride.” The sailing instructors recognize our goal of making competent sailors from all our participants. Thus, from day one, each new sailor is encouraged to take the tiller and become the captain of his or her own destiny. The sense of accomplishment and confidence displayed when successfully threading a 20-foot sailboat through a harbor of anchored boats is breathtaking.

Utilizing our fleet of specially-designed "Independence20" adaptive sailboats, physically challenged participants are boarded using a transfer lift if necessary. They are then safely secured into specially designed pivoting seats allowing them the freedom of movement to sail the boat. With guidance from US Sailing certified instructors, participants learn about safety, teamwork, the intricacies of all the deck hardware, grinding winches, trimming the sails, harnessing the wind, using the tiller, and sailing the boat! As these components are mechanical, they provide beneficial physical and occupational therapy. At the same time, the process of learning them is therapeutic in that it increases self-confidence and self-esteem, and helps to develop teamwork and leadership skills.

Service Types

• Camps-Day

Program Type

• Recreation/Arts/Social and Leisure

Populations Served

• All Disabilities

Ages Served

• 5 - 8
• 9 - 13
• 14 - 18
• 19 - 22
• 23 – 59
• 60 +

Accessibility Features

• Accessible Parking
• Accessible Restrooms
• Wheelchair Ramps

Additional Information

• Fees: Personal Funds