On a mission to promote adaptive sailing

Registration is open for the 10th annual Robie Pierce One-Design Regatta, with the largest fleet of single design boats racing in an adaptive regatta in the country, and the 8th annual Robie Pierce Women’s Invitational, the first and still only women’s disabled regatta.

Both events in 2018 will be held at Larchmont (NY) Yacht Club, with the Women’s regatta on May 31 and the One-Design Regatta June 1-3.

Included in the entry fee are specially adapted Ideal 18s, and each boat races with two people with disabilities and an able-bodied person (AB) to perform tasks the disabled sailors aren’t able to do.

This popular regatta, named for disabled sailing legend Robie Pierce, who sadly passed away last summer, is sailed by people with sailing experience ranging from Paralympic medalists to those brand new to the sport. While the racing is competitive, the accent is on the camaraderie and fun shared by the sailors.

One of the heartwarming aspects of the Robie Pierce Regatta is when former sailors, now disabled, return to sailing for the first time via the Robie. In 2017, the Robie included three such sailors who were convinced by their sailing friends to re-enter the yachting world. In fact, in two cases those sailing friends sailed as ABs for the participants.

Raced annually, but alternately sailed out of American Yacht Club (Rye, NY) and Larchmont Yacht Club, the event has grown to over 20 boats, with up to 30 boats expected this year. Housing is provided, on a limited basis, for those without special adaptive needs and all meals and hospitality are included in the entry fee.

Due to the generous support of sponsors, limited funds are available to competitors on an as-needed basis to help offset their costs of attending the regatta. All applications should be submitted by April 15 for review. Decisions on funding allocation will be communicated by April 20.

Event details: www.robiepierceonedesignregatta.com
Questions: Bill Sandberg, William.L.Sandberg@gmail.com