image 1 (1)

Sailing Beyond Barriers: The Impact of Challenged Sailors San Diego

In the heart of San Diego County, Challenged Sailors San Diego (CSSD) stands as a beacon of inclusion, empowerment, and resilience. This award-winning organization offers free adaptive sailing opportunities for individuals living with disabilities, providing a therapeutic and exhilarating experience on the water. With a fleet of specially designed sailboats, a dedicated team of volunteers, and a mission to enhance dignity and independence, CSSD has become a cornerstone of adaptive sailing in the region.

Challenged Sailors of San Diego image.

Founded with a vision to make sailing accessible to all, Challenged Sailors San Diego provides therapeutic, recreational, and competitive sailing opportunities for individuals with disabilities. From those living with multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy to individuals with traumatic brain injuries or quadriplegic and paraplegic limitations, CSSD opens the harbor to everyone, no prior experience required.

“Just over 10 years ago existed a core group of adaptive sailors and volunteers determined that San Diego could keep an adaptive sailing program,” said Sam Graber of Challenged Sailors of San Diego in an email to The Log. “This mighty troupe formed a new California nonprofit, Challenged Sailors San Diego. With forming they could accept donation of the Martin 16 sailboats we still sail today. That’s right, the Martin16s we sail were donated in full. What a gift!

 

You have to understand that there were other operating adaptive sailing programs in the country. Challenged Sailors wasn’t exactly a groundbreaking endeavor, to give people with disabilities the opportunity to sail a boat under their control. However, our launch was notable in that it was being done in San Diego. We have here a massive boating community, a big beautiful bay to sail on, and year-round warm weather. It’s the perfect setting for our type of program.

 

What has become unique, a point of absolute distinction for our community, is that we remain America’s only adaptive sailing program that sails every weekend, year-round. #WeSailEveryWeekend.”

Challenged Sailors of San Diego image.

Operating every Friday and Saturday from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, CSSD runs entirely on the generosity of its volunteers and donors, making adaptive sailing a reality for its participants. Their commitment has earned them the US Sailing’s Robie Pierce Award, a prestigious honor recognizing excellence in adaptive sailing.

CSSD’s mission is clear: to provide therapeutic, recreational, and competitive adaptive sailing experiences that enhance the dignity, well-being, and independence of people with disabilities. Their vision aims to establish CSSD as a nationally recognized center for adaptive sailing, continuously expanding its fleet, serving more sailors, and advancing techniques in adaptive sailing.

The cornerstone of CSSD’s work is its free sailing program. Using a fleet of eight Martin16 sailboats, CSSD accommodates sailors of all abilities. These vessels are specifically designed for adaptive sailing, featuring stability and customizable controls that make them accessible to individuals with various physical limitations.

“The Martin16 was built specifically for making sailing accessible to people with physical disabilities,” said Graber. “It’s a Canadian designed watercraft engineered to furnish both boat and adaptive equipment for people living with mobility, dexterity, sensation and strength disabilities. Even those unfamiliar with sailing can tell there’s something different about the Martin16 to compensate for those living with disabilities.

The Martin16 seating is lower than the waterline. The adaptive sailor sits in a deep center cockpit. There are two forward facing seats in fore-aft alignment. All controls to maneuver lead to the front seat. This makes it easy for an adaptive sailor to steer and control the sails without having to shift or move their body. This steering setup is intuitive to sailors of any experience level. Anyone with a disability can sit and steer. For those who have no upper body movement, a battery-powered Power Assist Unit connects to the sails and steering control. The PAU allows the disabled individual in the center cockpit to control the sails with a single joystick requiring just a gentle push with one index finger.

The companion sailor sitting behind has dual controls. No motor! Real sailing.

Craig Dennis, one of our superstar volunteers, said it best: ‘It’s a very safe, fun, fast boat. So it has all three things going for it. It’s not going to sink. It’s not going to flip. People are just going to love it, and it’s going to come back, and everybody’s going to be happy.’”

This personalized approach ensures that each sailor’s experience is tailored to their comfort and abilities, fostering confidence and independence on the water.

Beyond providing joy and adventure, CSSD’s programs have profound therapeutic benefits. Sailing improves physical coordination, builds self-esteem, and offers a sense of freedom that can be transformative. For many participants, the experience is more than recreational—it’s a pathway to empowerment and a reminder that their abilities outweigh their limitations.

CSSD’s success is built on the dedication and teamwork of its volunteers. From companion sailors to dock support and coordination, volunteers play a pivotal role in ensuring smooth operations every weekend. These individuals provide not only technical support but also encouragement and camaraderie, creating an inclusive and uplifting environment.

Volunteers at CSSD can contribute in various ways:

  • Companion Sailing: Assist adaptive sailors by navigating the boat and ensuring their safety.
  • Dock Support: Help with launching and retrieving boats, as well as assisting sailors as they board.
  • Coordination: Manage schedules, logistics, and participant needs during sailing sessions.

CSSD provides training and support for volunteers, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact. For those passionate about giving back, volunteering at CSSD offers a rewarding way to be part of a community that celebrates resilience and inclusion.

The leadership team at Challenged Sailors San Diego is composed of a diverse group of individuals who bring expertise, passion, and vision to the organization. The Board of Directors guides CSSD with strategic oversight and a shared commitment to its mission:

  • Chairperson: A seasoned advocate for adaptive sports, the chairperson ensures that CSSD’s goals align with the needs of the community.
  • Treasurer: Responsible for managing finances, the treasurer’s expertise in budgeting ensures that donations are used effectively to maintain the fleet and fund programs.
  • Program Director: Overseeing the day-to-day operations, the program director coordinates volunteers, schedules, and logistics to ensure seamless sailing sessions.
  • Fundraising Coordinator: This individual builds relationships with donors and sponsors, ensuring the financial sustainability of CSSD.

Each board member’s unique skill set enhances the organization’s ability to deliver high-quality adaptive sailing experiences while planning for future growth.

In a city celebrated for its vibrant sailing culture, Challenged Sailors San Diego offers something truly unique: the opportunity for individuals with disabilities to experience the joy and freedom of being on the water. By breaking down barriers, CSSD fosters inclusion within the broader sailing community while highlighting the transformative power of adaptive sports.

Recognition such as the Robie Pierce Award underscores CSSD’s impact not only in San Diego but also on a national scale. This award is a testament to the organization’s dedication to innovation, excellence, and inclusivity in adaptive sailing.

CSSD’s long-term goals include expanding its fleet, reaching more adaptive sailors, and becoming a nationally recognized center for adaptive sailing. By adopting new techniques and investing in modern equipment, CSSD aims to continue setting the standard for adaptive sailing programs.

As an all-volunteer organization, CSSD relies entirely on the generosity of the community to sustain its mission. Here are ways to get involved:

  • Donate: Financial contributions help maintain the fleet, purchase adaptive equipment, and fund programs.
  • Volunteer: Join the team to support sailors on the water and ensure smooth operations.
  • Spread the Word: Share CSSD’s mission and encourage others to get involved.

For more information about volunteering or making a donation, visit challengedsailors.org.

Challenged Sailors San Diego is more than an organization; it’s a community that celebrates the strength and determination of individuals living with disabilities. By providing free adaptive sailing opportunities, CSSD opens the harbor to everyone, fostering independence, confidence, and joy.

Adaptive sailors seeking a new adventure and volunteers eager to make a difference are invited by CSSD to join their mission. With every sail, they demonstrate that the water is a place where barriers are broken, and possibilities are endless.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *