Adaptive Sailing!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:
The boats we offer:
Please indicate your preference upon registration! Registration opens one month before each event.
Sonar 23 keelboats Dockside 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. You can find the flyer HERE. If you wish to participate in this research project, please email shanna@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.
Zoltan and Lionel strategizing before the race (photo courtesy of Deborah Davis)
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!
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!