Sarah had never been on a boat before.  This vivacious twelve year old girl, who had been in a wheelchair for eight years, was apprehensive about getting aboard Hermit, one of CRAB’s Freedom Independence sailboats.  Sarah asked her Dad if she could skip the sailing and go home.

Dear Friend of CRAB,

Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating, Inc. (CRAB) provides opportunities for people with physical and developmental challenges to experience the joy and freedom of sailing on the Chesapeake Bay.

Founded in 1991, CRAB is the most experienced organization to offer these unique opportunities in the mid-Atlantic region. We serve a very broad community including children and adults of all ages.

In 2012, more than 1,000 people enjoyed a fun and safe sailing experience, assisted by CRAB’s experienced skippers and dedicated volunteers.

We ask that you consider supporting CRAB.  Your donation will help ensure the success of our future.

Groups that have sailed with CRAB in recent years include: The Maryland School for the Blind, Central Special Education School in Edgewater, MD, Annapolis Police Department PALS Youth Program, Box of Rain, Magothy River Middle School, Stroke Survivors,  Boy Scouts, Endless Adventures with the Howard County Recreation Department, Chester River Health, Anne Arundel County Brain Injury Support, and Ginger Cove Retirement Community.

CRAB’s programs are unique:

• Groups and individuals with physical and developmental disabilities throughout the
  mid-Atlantic region turn to CRAB to provide outings for those who would otherwise have little opportunity to actively participate in recreational activities.
• CRAB’s fleet of 20-foot Freedom Independence sailboats, including Fiddler, Blue, Hermit, and Steamed, are custom designed and adapted for the disabled.
• Our monthly “Sail Free” days are designed to introduce the general public (both disabled and able-bodied persons) to the pure joy of the wind and water.
• We are sponsors and participants of races for disabled sailors, including the Boatyard Bar and Grill Regatta, the CRAB Cup, the Wounded Warrior Race, and The Mobility Cup.

• CRAB hosts Wounded Warriors Project events, giving returning veterans and their families an opportunity to enjoy a day of sailing or racing on the Chesapeake Bay. With many veterans returning home disabled, the community CRAB serves is growing.

CRAB depends on community partnerships with the generous individuals, businesses, corporations, and foundations who continue to support our work and touch the lives of the people we serve.  Your donation allows us to:

• Offer sailing experiences for the mobility and developmentally impaired.
• Cover maintenance costs — keeping our boats in top shape.*
• Keep all of our programs strong and growing.
• Make a difference in the lives of children and adults with special needs.

* Corporate, Business, and Organization identity sponsorships are available.

Your support of CRAB is vital.  Please send your generous tax deductible donation today in the enclosed return envelope.

Thank you and best wishes,

Donald E. Backe
Founder/Director of Strategic Planning

P.S.  Sarah’s Dad and the CRAB volunteers eased Sarah’s fears and gently guided her into the boat.  Within minutes of being on the water, the concerned look on Sarah’s face changed to a huge smile.  She loved the feeling of the breeze and the feeling of gliding on the water.  When the day was over, Sarah excitedly asked her Dad how soon she could come back to spend the day sailing with CRAB.