There is a pent up demand for sailors with disabilities to find ways to get on the water. This need is being met by a growing number of organizations that are filling that void. Here is a list of some that are currently active:nn nnCalifornia Inclusive Sailing – Newport Beach (CIS-NB)nn* Christen Buhl leads this not for profit with four 16″ RS Ventures that sail every week in Newport Beach. Boats are at the Lido Isle Yacht ClubnnAdaptive Freedom Foundation (AFF)nn* AFF California Chapter coordinates activities out of Huntington Beach.nn* Adaptive Freedom Foundation is dedicated to offering open water experiences for people with disabilities including those that are excluded from participation. AFF adapts oceanic activity promoting accessibility and inclusion.nnCalifornia Dream Sailingnn* California Dream Sailing Purpose is to raise awareness to barrier free design for disabled persons through sailing opportunities which can empower their independence and improve their quality of life.nn* Jr Vigil a double amputee and adaptive sailor, coordinates this not for profit in Newport Beach.nnChallenged Sailors San Diego (CSSD)nn* Challenged Sailors continues to get physically challenged sailors out on the water. After the re-start of sailing, under San Diego COVID protocols, they had 4 open sailing days in October.nn* In addition to their fleet of 8 Martin 16’s CSSD has added a Hansa SKUDnnUS Patriot Sailingnn* US Patriot Sailing, a national organization with a San Diego chapter, supports our veteran community by welcoming our fellow Veterans back onto a winning TEAM. Offering camaraderie, mission accomplishments and new dynamic experiences.nn* Without any sailing for the past 8 months, 4 members of the US Patriot’s Sailing San Diego teamed up with Stan Flemming onboard his new J-125 for the SDYC yachting cup which they won in class BnnWarrior Sailing (WS)nn* Getting military service members on the water can provide physical, mental and emotional therapy for a variety of injury’s and illness’s. Sailing is an outlet to cope with the long-term effects of PTSD, brain injuries, amputations, paralysis, and nerve damage… Plus it is a fun way for warriors sailors to express their most natural abilities: teamwork and competitive drive.nn* Warrior Sailing did not participate in any events in SoCal in the past few months including cancelling their September clinic in San Diego. They’ve instead held many Zoom meetings with celebrity speakers and attendees.nnTeam River Runner San Diego (TRRSD)nnTRRSD is one of about 65 chapters of TRR National that provided opportunities for veterans and active duty soldiers to find healthy, healing community purpose and new challenges through paddle sports. Some of the opportunities include monthly flat water paddles on Mission Bay for both patients at Balboa Medical Center as part of their recovery program and local veterans dealing with any of the injuries’ that occurred while they were in a theater of war or afterwards.nnMission Bay Aquatic Center (MBAC)nn* MBAC is one of the worlds largest instructional waterfront facilities located in beautiful San Diego, California. Last year over 30,000 participates experienced surfing, sailing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, stand up paddling, waterskiing, rowing, kayaking and windsurfing. Tens of thousands of people have learned to safely enjoy water sports at MBAC over the last 45 years.nn* The center is owned and operated by Associated Students of San Diego Sate University and UCSD Recreation and is open to the public. It is also home to a youth day camp sponsored by the YMCA.nn* Adaptive watersports have been on hold for the past few months due to the pandemic but they are looking forward to reopening full operations.nn nn
