Challenged America Is Back!
San Diego, California, April 30,2008: It's been three years since the San Diego-based Challenged America program officially entered a boat in an offshore race. But with the recent donation of a 43-foot racing sailboat and the Ensenada race already on their calendar, Challenged America announced its return by being at the starting line for the 61st Newport-to-Ensenada International Yacht Race on Friday, April 25, 2008.
"Returning to actively racing once again with our entry in the Ensenada Race couldn't have been more appropriate and exciting," said Kevin Wixom, a Challenged America sailor since his leg was traumatically amputated in an auto accident five years earlier. "We have a new boat that we know little about, and have yet to modify the boat for many of Team Challenged America's sailors with disabilities, but we put out a general call for crew, and was able to put it all together at the last minute...and so glad we did. Challenged America is definitely back."
In this year's 125-mile race from Newport Beach to Ensenada, Mexico,(with almost 400 competitors), the Challenged America team raced in the highly-competitive PHRF B class, in their newly acquired Nelson/Marek Custom 43 named "B'Quest 2" (BQ2) -- a donation to the charitable program by Brian and Suzanne Hull of Coronado, California
"We had a good start in the light to moderate winds, as we headed South towards Mexico...a few times with boat speed in excess of 8 knots. Then we passed through a wind-curtain, extending west off of Oceanside, into a whisper of wind which continued into and through the night." Kevin said.
"We got a little taste of the potential of BQ2, and also what she doesn't like. And when evening came, we were happy to still be with our class leaders, until we separated in the dark. As all racers know, one mistake can cost you a podium presentation in this race, and guess we called it wrong, staying farther offshore than we should have...adding 15 to 20 un-needed miles to our distance. But we did finish respectably, 10th in our class of 22 boat."
After completing the 2005 Transpac Race, the Challenged America program found itself with a shortfall in committed donations, rising operating expenses, and a dramatic increase in demand by the disabled who wanted to sail in the program. According to Kevin Wixom, "We just had to take a hiatus to reorganize, pay all our bills, and plan a new strategy for the continuation of Challenged America. Being a year-round sailing program and too successful can be painful." This was not the first time that the program had restructured, in its 30 year history.
First conceived by disabled veterans who, unable to find anyone willing to teach them how to sail, they acquired a Cal-20 sailboat and taught themselves, inviting others with and without disabilities to learn how to sail with them. Today, recognized as a pioneer in the field of adaptive sailing as a therapeutic recreational activity, the charitable, San Diego-based Challenged America program, provides free learn-to-sail and advanced sailing opportunities to kids an adults with disabilities, their loved ones, and volunteers. Funded by contributions from the general public, sponsorship, public speaking honorariums, and various fund development activities, thousands have participated in the program. All contributions are tax-deductible. For additional information on Challenged America and how you can participate, volunteer, sponsor and help, email Port@ChallengedAmerica.org, leave a phone message at (619) 594-8805, or visit www.ChallengedAmerica.org.