The 2012 Sailing Calendar

As always, planning a sailing calendar at Challenged America tends to be dependent upon funding and other resources, to include what boats we have, and the volunteers available.  Under consideration for the 2012 calendar are:

  1. San Diego to Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas ocean race (March, 2012).
  2. Martin 16 (Two-Day) Race to Chula Vista Yacht Club/Marina (April 21/22, 2012).
  3. Monthly or bi-Monthly Martin 16 Race Training and Races.
  4. Local Big Bay Races in “Casual” – the Santana 25.
  5. Newport-Ensenada, Border Run, and other offshore/coastal races.
  6. Multi-day cruise to Catalina.
  7. Class for sailing instructors: “Martin 16 Certification.”
  8. Captain (Basics 101) Training on Grand Banks 42 and Donzi, by The Maritime Institute.
  9. Power Squadron, Offshore Sailing Safety and First Aid Educational Programs.
  10. Sailing Camps for those with disabilities and/or having: Diabetes; Spinal Cord Injury/Disease, Epilepsy, mobility and communications challenges, Learning Disabilities, Developmental Disabilities, and youth with disabilities.
  11. Day-On-The-Big-Bay cruises, whale watching and other educational excursions aboard the motor yacht “Challenged America”- a Grand Banks 42.

Is there another special program you’d like to see and can participate in and help? Let us know.

Challenged America Sailor Chairs National Disabled Sailors Council

Photo: Kevin Wixom trimming the genoa aboard B'Quest I, a Tripp 40 (2005).

Kevin Wixom, Team Challenged America 2005 Transpac crew member and volunteer, has accepted the chair position of the Council for Sailors with Disabilities, US SAILING. Great going Kevin.

The Challenged Galley Chef

Okay, sailors all know that cooking in a kitchen shoreside is a snap. But take a bucking sailboat in a wind-swept sea, and even boiling water and pouring it is a challenge. So you galley-salts, “how” and “what” do you cook when at sea?

For example: I can remember sailing on the east coast years ago in my youth, and one crusty sailing veteran used only coffee (percolator) pots to cook with, on a two-burner stove. He claimed it was the easiest and safest way to cook as, with his half-dozen coffee pots (one reserved exclusively for brewing coffee, and the other for hot water only), he would strum up the greatest soups and stews, pasta dishes and hearty and warm breakfast one could ever imagine. And there was always a hot pot of water on the stove for instant coffee, tea, hot chocolate or bullion.

Do you have any innovative or galley secrets you could share? Let us know. We’re looking for those unique recipes, cooking utensils, and methods of cooking that can be included in the Challenged America newsletter, and later be put into a book, giving you and your boat’s name credit.

Challenged America Sailing Questions and Answers

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.