Squalus ( dogfish shark), a Pacemaker 36 became the latest boat to enter the Challenged America fleet. She is a sportsfisherman with twin diesel engines.
Thank you Bruce Nelson (Nelson Marek) and David Reed
Q. How do I schedule sailing?
A. Just call or email the Challenged America office – at least 4 days prior to your day of request to sail, along with information on your type of disability, so we can meet any special needs/accommodations and schedule a volunteer companion sailor.
Q. How much does sailing cost?
A. It’s free, but we do accept and welcome donations.
Q. What is Open Sailing?
A. Open Sailing days are our primary days for small boat sailing, and adaptive sail training for potential and existing sailing companions and instructors.
Q. Can I only sail on Open Sailing Days?
A. No, you can sail on ANY day you request, provided a qualified companion sailor is available, and the sailing office is open.
Q. Can I learn to sail at Challenged America if I don’t have a disability?
A. Yes, but there is a cost . . . You must be willing to volunteer.
Volunteer Steve Edenson and blind sailor Hiro taking Casual, our newest donation out for a first spin on San Diego’s Big Bay.
“Casual” is a Santana 525, designed by Shad Turner and built by the W.D. Schock Corporation to the highest standards of quality. it is a beautiful boat with sleek lines and well balanced dimensions unique in a 25 footer.
The 525 was designed for competitive racing under a variety of measurement rules. The hull is shallow and of light displacement but has a considerable amount of beam to insure stability. The displacement to length ratio of the 525 is very low, providing excellent light air performance. The keel is a deep fin and the rudder is a simple but highly efficient spade. The hull is quick to surf and is lots of fun to sail in a breeze. Since the 525 is also built to strict one design specifications, its owners find great pleasure in level class racing as well.
The cockpit of the Santana 525 is probably the best available in a boat of this size. long bench seats and a contoured deck shape offer welcome comfort and a wonderful sense of security for the family. The hardware is strategically placed for efficient crew work, with all halyards lead to the cabintop. The blister design of the deck eliminates sharp corners and provides extra wide side decks for safe and easy deck maneuvers.
The beam of the 525 offers an amazing feeling of spaciousness below. Two wide midship bunks provide extremely comfortable seating in the main cabin and are wonderful for overnight cruising. A 6½ foot v-berth provides additional sleeping accommodations. The cleverly capsulized galley unit is equipped with a sink for an insulated ice box and provides good countertop space. Two beautifully finished hanging lockers, an attractive interior liner, and a handsome teak and holly sole give the 525 the look and feel of a much larger boat. Many a crew has spent hours after the race in the comfort of this cozy interior.
The crew said: She is fast and fun, we love her.
It seems like most people don’t really pay attention to a disease or disability until it strikes them or someone they love. Yet, many who are not (yet) disabled dot suppor and donate to organizations and programs that support the disabled, for various reasons, but fully committing themselves and their resources to a cause tends not to appear the norm . . . until that dreaded illness or injury hits.
Believe me, everyone in the charitable sector appreciates all – and in any amount – that contributors provide, be it resources, talent, assets, time, and/or cash and regardless of their reason behind the gift – whether personal, tax mitigation, emotional, or another self-serving intention. Such gifts are (mostly) welcome and most needed by all trying to do a charitable good in the community and for society.
We’re now at that “Holiday Gift Giving Time” and we’re all getting bombarded with emotionally-driven appeals to support a charity or cause, and you’ll be getting such a message from us at Challenged America and the Disabled Businesspersons Association (DBA) as well. This is the time of year most make donations and gifts; and the time which most charities, like us, do rely on to support the coming months of operations and plan expanded services and programs.
So when you receive our request for financial and other support, along with the flood of other pleas for help, we hope our message hits your heartstrings and you will consider Challenged America and the DBA too.
We also hope you will investigate the organizations, programs and causes you plan to give to, making sure they are really using your generosity to fulfill their mission and serve those they are authorized by the IRS to help … and your generous gift is being spent or allocated where you want it to go.
I recently called a donor and asked why he and his wife decided to make a donation to the DBA? His response was:
“We want to make sure our gift goes for the right purpose, and we do this by first asking how much in salary and benefits the Executive Director, President, CEO and Chairman of the Board make.
“From the response, we can quickly narrow the field of those we will donate to, as it gives us a measurement of where funds are being prioritized and allocated. ”
It’s surprising how many charities don’t directly answer our question, and of those who do, the majority only refer us to their latest tax return, and how to get it online. At the DBA, your response was quick and to the point … and that’s why we sent you our check.”
Thank You,
Urban Miyares
Challenged America, co-founder
Disabled Businesspersons Association, volunteer president