Martin 16 Sailing
Challenged America has a fleet of seven Martin 16 sailboats adaptable to many disabilities. Our facilities are 100% accessible and are equipped with lifts for sailors transferring from wheelchairs. We currently have free sailing, introductory and instruction, on the Martins on most Saturdays. Reservations are required. Group sailing and alternate days can be arranged by calling our sailing office at 619-523-9318. Check the calendar for upcoming available dates.
Volunteer Companion Sail Training
Our growing group of companion sailors is often invited to a day of special training to learn how to work and sail with people with different disabilities. Contact us for volunteer opportunities.
Capri 22 Sailing
Currently sailing on most Tuesdays at noon. The Capri is also great for a family. Reservations are required. Check the calendar for dates. Alternate days can also be arranged by appointment.
“B’Quest II” Custom Nelson/Marek 43 and “Lift Off” Kiwi 35
Challenged America often joins our San Diego sailing community and enters many races in the bay and offshore in our larger boats. Contact us if you are interest in being a part of the crew.
Special Events
Arrange a day of sailing for your special needs group by contacting our sailing office at 619-523-9318.
Challenged America is a participant- and volunteer-supported therapeutic sailing program.
- Learn-To-Sail
- Assistive & Adaptive Sailing Devices, Technology and Equipment
- Advanced Sailing Opportunities
- Blind Sailors
- Family Sailing
- Group Sailing
LEARN-TO-SAIL
“If you can breathe, you can sail.” – Scott Meide, Challenged America sailor
The Challenged America learn-to-sail program is available to both the disabled and able-bodied, taught in the Martin 16, two-person, accessible sixteen foot, high-performance, safe and unsinkable sloop.
Sailing instruction is from our Shelter Island (San Diego) facility.
Most physical disabilities can be readily accommodated with accessible and adaptive technology, devices, equipment, and proven sailing techniques. And if you have a unique challenge and need we are unable to immediately accommodate, give our adaptive sailing team a little time to work on it, and we’ll get you sailing at Challenged America before the tide changes too often.
Learn-to-Sail opportunities offered 7 days per week, year-round to those from 5 to 95+ years of age. Personal (one-on-one) sailing instruction is based on boat and volunteer or staff (certified) instructor availability, and reservations are required for non-scheduled, special sailing lessons.
For those without disabilities who want to learn how to sail, contact us to schedule a learn-to-sail opportunity or attend one of our scheduled sailing days, and we only ask that you continue to support the program by volunteering – your contribution to support Challenged America and the work we do.
Learn-to-sail days are regularly scheduled and posted in the monthly Challenged America newsletter … or call to schedule a private appointment on a non-scheduled sailing day.
ASSISTIVE & ADAPTIVE SAILING DEVICES, TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT
- Hoyer lifts at dock for Martin 16 access.
- Sip and Puff steering and sail trimming device/technology.
- Harness and security strapping.
- Special safety seating on 43-foot racing sailboat.
ADVANCED SAILING OPPORTUNITIES
“Good small-boat sailors make great big-boat sailors”
The Challenged America advanced sailing program takes participants step-by-step from the Martin 16 (M16) sailboat, to the Capri 22, and then on to Challenged America’s larger sailboats. Advanced sailing and seamanship skills are taught, to include various crew positions, based on (physical) abilities.
Instruction is by certified sailing instructors and licensed captains, TEAM Challenged America sailors, and experienced sailors with and without disabilities.
Contact us today for information and reservations on the next advanced sailing opportunity, and hop on board.
Advanced sailing opportunities are posted on the monthly Challenged America newsletter, or by contacting the Challenged America office. Reservations are often required.
BLIND SAILORS PROGRAM
Are you legally blind?
Interested in being a companion sailor for someone with sight loss?
The Blind Sailors Program is a special program for those with sight loss, and for sighted individuals who want to team with the blind, teaching and crewing with to those unable to see the horizon.
Both learn-to-sail and advanced sailing and racing are offered, with instruction on how safely and competently to sail small and large sailboats.
Initial instruction and racing are done on the Martin 16 and Capri 22 sailboat. Sailing in larger boats is also offered at specific times for novice and beginning sailors.
Sign up today for the Blind Sailors program, and see you at the dock on Blind Sailors days at Challenged America.
FAMILY SAILING PROGRAM
Sailing offers the unique opportunity for loved ones of those with disabilities to crew with and take an active role in their rehabilitation, regardless of age or level of disability.
The Challenged America Family Sailing program allows the entire family to learn how to sail together so they are able (as a family) to continue the experience afterwards, anywhere, and at any time, independently.
The Challenged America Family Sailing program is available to you and your loved ones. Contact us today to learn more, and schedule a family sailing experience, or have the entire family join others (in one of our larger boats) for a sailing adventure.
Reservations required.
GROUP SAILING
Special group sailing opportunities can be scheduled for your school, recreational or rehabilitation program. Reservations are required.
