“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 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.

Fee: $125/boat
When: 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. seven days a week, June – August

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 (again, will not flip over) was designed to level the playing field for people with physical disabilities to race in open fleets without a time or distance handicap. It is a 16′ sailboat that gives independence to people. Please call to arrange a private lesson.

Fee: $60/hour
When: Times vary, June-August

Sailboat, Kayak and Canoe Rentals

The AWP offers sailboat rentals in our Adaptive Sonar and Martin 16.

Fees:

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 Program Coordinator, Dave D’Angelo at 802-353-3178 or truenorth@vermontadaptive.org