Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating – Bringing the Thrill and Freedom of Sailing to Persons with Disabilities

How can
you help?

Celebrating 30 years of service this year, CRAB has provided life-changing experiences to thousands of guests. CRAB is fortunate to be providing this unique sailing experience on the largest and most scenic estuary in the United States, the Chesapeake Bay. CRAB would not be possible without the generous support of the many volunteers, sponsors and individual donors. To learn more on how you how you can make a difference and get involved click here.

In the News

April 28, 2021 | By siteops | In 2021 News, Newspaper Article

A Blast from the Past: The First Newspaper Article on CRAB

Way back in 1991, when CRAB was founded, The Baltimore Sun interviewed Don Backe about the new program. Read the article HERE.

Video: The Adaptive Boating Center

2021 Sailing Season

Spring is almost here! All Family Sail Sunday dates have been released and we are accepting reservations. Find out more by clicking the button below

More info

What Our Guests Say

"The Hoyer lift was very helpful a unique experience. First time I was moved with the Hoyer. Please thank all the guys on the boat I was on for me. I had a wonderful time."

Andrew Guest

"This was the greatest experience of my life."

Josh Jones On participating in the Don Backe Memorial Regatta

"I need to commend CRAB’s fabulous staff and volunteers. They are a wonderful and caring group who have certainly changed many peoples’ lives for the better, including mine."

Lance Hinrichs CRAB Guest

"The CRAB captains allow our students the hands on opportunity to sail a real sailboat. When you have no vision, you see with your hands. The captains allow the students to touch and feel everything as they explain exactly what everything is. They are so on cue with the students; they immediately get a sense of the level of the students and know how to modify the language to what the students can understand. I can't tell you how much this experience helps to build self-esteem in our students. They get such a sense of pride and accomplishment. The smiles are from ear to ear! I can't say enough about this program, the people that work it and the opportunities that it provides for our students! I fully support the CRAB program!

Tammy Kraft Recreation Specialist Maryland School for the Blind

Thanks so much for the effort and dedication in offering the Recovering Warrior Sailing Regatta. While I grew up on the Chesapeake Bay, my soldier greatly appreciated her very first experience under sail.

M.B. CRAB Guest

"Being a volunteer with CRAB has been a life changing experience for me. I have been a volunteer for over three years. I have met so many wonderful individuals during the monthly Sail Free events and at the Wounded Warrior Regattas who have shared their amazing triumphant stories with me. I would not give up this volunteering experience for anything as I learn and gain new and wonderful perspectives from each encounter I have. My life has been touched by this organization and the individuals who come to participate in the joy of sailing."

Michelle Serafin CRAB Volunteer

"We don't get out like this very much."

Guest Montgomery Co. Stroke Association

"It was Great!! It was smooth sailing. Beautiful day with a wonderful breeze. Dan and Ed did a very nice sail, sharing their knowledge and skills with us."

R Cagle Guest

"Thank you for this wonderful program. Bless you"

J. Maldonado Guest

"The crew and staff did an outstanding job. My wife is in a wheelchair. We are completely satisfied."

P. Lark Guest

"The sailing trip was wonderful. CRAB is an amazing group doing a wonderful service."

B. Griffith Guest

In the 2017 CRAB Cup I had a guest skipper on board who was a long time sailing friend and a recent stroke victim. Mark Evans still had the use of one arm and one leg, so he was mobile enough to steer my boat around the course. We took first place in our division and the whole day was an important memorable event for Mark's wife Judy, and teenage son Philip.

Annonymous Guest