Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to making the thrill of sailing a reality for physically and/or developmentally-challenged individuals and for those individuals whose financial circumstances preclude their participation in recreation on the waters of Chesapeake Bay. CRAB was founded in 1991 as an offshoot of the National Ocean Access Project of Newport, Rhode Island.
We operate out of Sandy Point State Park at the eastern end of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and maintain an office in Annapolis, MD.
CRAB has low overhead and relies heavily on volunteers to skipper and maintain our boats, organize our racing and events, and help with all aspects of our operations. If you would like to volunteer, please contact our Program Director.
Board of Directors
Don Backe, Founder
Staff
Heather East, Executive Director
Bob Christman, Program Director
Anastasia Hopkinson, Office Manager
Contact Info
Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating
P.O. Box 6564
Annapolis, MD 21401
Suite 3B
612 Third Street
Annapolis, MD 21403
The Fleet
| Freedom Independence 20 | |
| Overall Length: | 20′, 6″ |
| Beam: | 8′ |
| Draft: | 4′ |
| Displacement: | 2,080 lbs. |
| Keel: | Fin; 900 lbs |
| Sail Area: | 230 sq. ft. |
| Crew: | 1 to 3 people |
| Manufacturer: | Catalina Yachts |
The Freedom Independence 20 was designed by Gary Mull, a noted naval architect and designer of the Freedom Yachts fleet, (which includes the Freedom 28, 30 and 36).
The Freedom 20 is designed specifically for mobility-impaired sailors and features two chairs, counterbalanced below-decks, which pivot from one side of the boat to the other for tacking and jibing. The boats also have a 900-pound fin keel, which makes them exceptionally stable. The sails consist of a fully-battened mainsail and a club-footed jib (a jib with a boom).
CRAB operates a fleet of four Freedom Independence 20s: Fiddler, Blue, Hermit, and Steamed.
