“Leave your dependence on the Dock”
Participation in a sport like sailing builds confidence and self esteem, while it challenges the whole person.
For over a decade the Community Sailing Center and Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports have partnered to make sailing available for any person regardless of any disability.
Adaptive Watersport Program’s mission is to provide on the water opportunities for everyone, regardless of disability, age, and ability to pay and at all levels from supervised recreational sailing to independent racing competition.
The Sailing Center is bustling with activity all summer long offering a range of programs. Instruction is available for the first time sailor, someone who’s content being a passenger rather than “man the lines” or the competitive sailor excited to try his hand at racing the Martin 16. For the seasoned sailor private rentals are available to enjoy the freedom of being on the water.
Reservations or questions can be directed to Vermont Adaptive Sport and Ski Program Coordinator Dave D’Angelo at 802-353-3178 or by contacting the Community Sailing Center’s office.
Group Recreational Sailing
Students will be encouraged to take the helm, trim the sails and learn about sailing on the adaptive sonar. This sonar has been adapted so that the skipper sits facing forward without the need to switch sides as the boat changes direction. Encircling this gimbaled seat is a horizontal steering wheel, a concept designed by Community Sailing Center founding director and architect. The sonar sails with up to six people and has a heavy keel under the bottom which makes for excellent stability. 3 hour sails are offered daily, please call to schedule time.
When: 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. seven days a week, June – August
Fee: $175/boat
Private and Competitive Sailing Lessons
The goal of these lessons is to enable the students with disabilities to sail independently. The Martin 16, a single or double-handed keelboat (ballasted so as to be unable to tip over) was designed to level the playing field for people with physical disabilities to race in open fleets without a time or distance handicap. Please call to arrange a private lesson.
When: Times vary, June-August
Fee: $60/hour
Sailboat, Kayak and Canoe Rentals
The AWP offers sailboat rentals in our Adaptive Sonar and Martin 16.
- Adaptive Sonar $50/hour
- Martin 16 $25/hour
- Kayak or Canoe $15/hour
Kayak and Canoe instructional lessons are also available; Reservations or questions can be directed to Vermont Adaptive Sport and Ski Program Coordinator, Dave D’Angelo at 802-353-3178 or truenorth@vermontadaptive.org
