Applications open for Adaptive Boat Grant Program

North American community sailing programs and other sailing organizations aimed at expanding opportunities for sailors with adaptive needs are encouraged to apply for the 2017 Clagett Boat Grant Program. On offer will be up to two 2.4mR boats with sails and trailer race ready.

In December 2016, the Y-Knot program (Lake George, NY) was the recipient of the first of the Clagett Boat Grant Program boats, a Sonar.

“The award of a brand new Sonar has had a huge impact on our adaptive sailing program,” commented Y-Knot Sailing Program Chair, Spencer Raggio. “The publicity and excitement surrounding the award generated a lot of interest, both locally with new sailors and volunteers, and nationally as it brought Y-Knot recognition among the larger adaptive sailing community.

“We’ve developed several different seating and steering adaptations for the Sonar, including the sip and puff steering operation for our quadriplegic sailors. Taking that boat down to Newport and winning the Sonar fleet in the Clagett Regatta was the high point of a very busy and successful summer sailing season.”

This year the boat that has been selected for the Boat Grant Program is the single handed 2.4mR, which has been retained as the technical boat for the bid to reinstate sailing to the Paralympic Games.

“Applications can be for one or both boats depending on the needs of the organization applying,” remarked Clagett Co-founder and President, Judy McLennan. “This year we raised the funds to purchase the two boats through a grant from the Newman’s Own Foundation and the generosity of supporters at the annual Clagett fundraiser this year. The 2.4mR boat is one that sailors continue to comment is a challenge to sail for any sailor.”

The deadline for applications for this boat grant is November 30 2017.

For information about the Clagett Boat Grant Program application: sklik@clagettregatta.org

About the C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta:
Founded in 2003, the C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta honors the late Tom Clagett (1916-2001), a U.S. Navy World War II veteran who learned to sail on Chesapeake Bay. As a youngster he suffered temporary paralysis as the result of a bout of meningitis; an experience that left him with a deep respect for the accomplishments of people with disabilities. The Clagett’s stated mission is “to assist sailors in realizing their potential on the water by providing them both the knowledge and tools to improve their skills and the opportunity to use these skills in competition”. Tom Clagett’s motto was “Reach for Success”, which resonates with every Clagett participant. Clagett competitors have seen medal success at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Paralympic Games. Competitors often comment that, The Clagett, has improved their quality of life as they apply what is achieved on the water to everyday situations. For more information about The Clagett visit: www.clagettregatta.org