Welcome to Sailors with Disabilities
Learn about the world of disabled sailing through stories and links on this page. Start by watching the Bull & Bear disabled sailing documentary.
American YC contribute $6,000
Council thanks American YC for their very generous contribution of $6,000 to assist with grass roots development of sailing for persons with disabilities. Photo of Independence Cup Chair Kevin D'Aprile, Bill Sandberg (AYC), Council Chair Linda Merkle, AYC Commodore Mike Bruno.
Hugh Elliot Awarded Gay S. Lynn Trophy
Hugh Elliot, former Sailors with special needs Committee Chair and current Secretary of the Council for Sailor with Disabilities is awarded US SAILING's Gay S. Lynn Trophy for service. Read press release and remarks by Peter Goldman.
Mark LeBlanc competes in Championship of Champions
2.4mR National Champion and 2007 Paralympic Trials contender Mark LeBlanc will compete in US SAILING's Championship of Champions against 19 able bodied National, North American and World Champions. The event is sailed in Sunfish. Reports and results.
Scandone and McKinnon-Tucker Clinch Paralympic Gold
Congratulations to Nick Scandone and Maureen McKinnon-Tucker on their Gold Medals (first Paralympic Golds ever for the USA) in the SKUD-18 Class and to John Ruf for his Bronze in the 2.4mR Class. The picture is of Nick Scandone receiving his Gold Medal from Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden. Pictures courtesy of Dan Tucker. Read more.
2008 Paralympic Coverage
The latest news and links covering the event and US sailors. Be sure to check out the blog by team leader Sarah Hawkins and head coach Betsy Alison. Check it out!
Kerry Gruson awarded Liz Earle Ladies Day Trophy
Miami-based Kerry Gruson, the first disabled woman helm to compete at Cowes Week, has been awarded the 2008 Liz Earle Ladies Day Trophy at this year's Skandia Cowes Week. Read more.
Winners and Paralympians Celebrate Before Heading to China
The five American and six Canadian sailors who will represent their nations in the three sailing events of the 2008 Paralympic Games wrapped up their final day of racing for the 2008 C. Thomas Clagett Jr. Memorial Regatta being run from Sail Newport, Rhode Island’s Public Sailing Center. Read more.
Inkiala Skippers Win 2008 Blind Sailing National Championship
Luck... was not a factor in determining the 2008 Blind Sailing World Championship which was won by skipper Sengil “Inky” Inkiala (Watertown, Mass.) and crew Nancy Jodoin (West Brookfield, Mass.), sailing with sighted guides Ken Legler (Reading, Mass.) and Harry Berman (Hull, Mass.). Read more.
Gay S. Lynn Open for Nominations
Do you know an individual or an organization that has made an outstanding contribution to disabled sailing? US SAILING’s Council for Sailors with Disabilities is seeking nominations for the Gay S. Lynn Memorial Trophy, awarded to a person, volunteer or professional, or to an organization as having made an outstanding contribution to disabled sailors. Make a nomination.
Tie-Breakers & Heartbreakers at U.S. Disabled Championship
At the start of the final day of racing at the U.S. Disabled Sailing Championship in Rye NY, it was not a sealed deal for Paralympic Team members Rick Doerr (Clifton, NJ), Tim Angle (Marblehead, MA), and Bill Donohue (Brick, NJ) in the Sonar. Read more about They US Disabled Championship.
Challenged America is back!
It's been three years since the San Diego-based Challenged America program officially entered a boat in an offshore race. Read more about Challenged America's return.
Challenged America receives a Nelson Marek Custom 43
Will this be their entry in the next TransPac? Challenged America is proud to announce the donation of a Nelson/Marek Custom 43 racing sailboat as the new flagship for its fleet. The ex-VIM was donated by Brian and Suzanne Hull of Coronado, Californial.
2008 IFDS Multi-hull World Championship
The 2008 IFDS Multi-hull World Championship will be sailed in Challenger Trimarans July 4 - July 11, 2008. The regatta will be held at The Clube Naval de Cascais, Cascais, Lisbon, Portugal.
Colin N. Park
Sailor, Paralympic coach, and friend of disabled sailors everywhere - died suddenly on Friday November 23. A Memorial Service will take place at the St. Petersburg YC on Thursday November 29, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. Read obituary.
Challenged America Program Gets "Lift Off"
Challenged America, the San Diego -based sailing program for kids and adults with disabilities, unveiled its most recent vessel donation at the start of the first Hot Rum Series race, Nov. 5, 2007) in San Diego. Read more...
Keith Burhans Receives National Award
US SAILING, national governing body for the sport of sailing, has presented Keith Burhans with the Gay S. Lynn Memorial Trophy for his outstanding contribution to disabled sailors and the sport of disabled sailing. Read more
Join SWD's Yahoo Group
Stay in the loop with other sailors with disabilities by joining the Sailors with Disabilities Yahoo Group. Simply enter your e-mail address below and submit.