FAQs
Answering Your Questions
Chesapeake Regional Accessible Boating (CRAB) is here to support every step of your journey.
Have questions about your upcoming sailing or watersport program or interested in volunteering and want to know where to start? From the size of our fleet, to how many guests fit on a boat, to what to wear while out on the water, we’ve answered some of the most common questions below.
Have a question that we haven’t answered? Contact us with your question!
Frequently Asked Questions
CRAB’s base of operations is the CRAB Adaptive Boating Center on Back Creek in Annapolis. Events also are held at Annapolis Yacht Club and Eastport Yacht Club.
Please fill out our program interest form to let us know what programs you are interested in.
CRAB’s Beneteau First 22A sailboats have special seating and seatbelts that provide a secure and comfortable place to sit in the cockpit of the boat. You will leave your chair at the dock!
Guests board the boats based on their particular style or physical requirements. Some guests step aboard, others require minor assistance, and some transfer from wheelchairs under their own power onto a transfer slide box. And for guests with less mobility, CRAB has a Hoyer lift mounted on the dock to safely transfer guests from their wheelchairs to the boats.
CRAB does not sail when the winds are too high for safe and comfortable sailing. The Beneteau First22A sails can be reefed or furled to ensure that the boats are not overpowered by the wind. In addition, CRAB Skippers are trained to reduce sail and motor back to the dock if conditions become uncomfortable for guests.
Not likely, but on a very windy day, you may get a little spray. We recommend to guests dress in warm layers.
The length of the sail depends on the event, but typically guests are on the water for an hour and 15 minutes during a Family Sail Sunday or for two hours on a weekday sail.
There is no cost for sailing with CRAB. However, we appreciate donations to help with the operational costs of our programs.
Water, snacks, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, non-marking shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing – noting that it can be cooler on the water. We will provide life jackets (PFDs) for all participants.
The CRAB fleet is six Beneteau First 22A’s and each boat can accommodate two guests who require adaptive seating, and 2-3 additional guests depending on their size. CRAB also owns a Martin 16 with a Sip n’ Puff steering system that accommodates one guest and the skipper.
Sailing requires the cooperation of the weather. In the event that it is raining, too windy, no wind, or too hot, we will not be able to go out. Safety is our number one priority. Guests who register for the event will be notified if it is canceled.
Yes! Our Family Sail Sunday event is open to families and friends of those with disabilities. They can also come to regattas and watch you race.
CRAB welcomes everyone with a desire to volunteer with us. Please go to our Volunteer page and fill out the interest form.