Adaptive Boating Center
Future Home of Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating
NEW ADAPTIVE BOATING CENTER in 2021!!
On September 2, 2020, the State of Maryland Board of Public Works unanimously approved the $1.8 million Program Open Space (POS) grant for the City of Annapolis to acquire property at 7040 Bembe Beach Road for $2,250,000. Anne Arundel County contributed $1.3M and the City of Annapolis committed $500,000 of their POS funding, which is in addition to the $1M committed by the State of Maryland in the 2019 Capital Improvement budget. The City of Annapolis closed on the property October 30th and CRAB signed a 40-year lease with the City of Annapolis on November 19, 2020.
Demolition and construction on the property will include replacing the fixed dock marina with a 16-slip floating dock that will exceed ADA standards. The existing house and 4,000 sq. ft. commercial building will be demolished and removed with new construction including a 2,000 sq. ft. learning center with office space that will be built outside the 100’ critical area, significantly reducing the footage in the critical area. The ABC will also be a model of environmental stewardship utilizing solar energy, recycled building materials, and rain garden landscaping. An open-air pavilion and picnic area will provide a comfortable venue for greater socialization among guests, families, and caregivers, while looking out at the Bay.
Plans for the ABC include a training classroom and will offer instruction using virtual technology to assist people with disabilities who want to increase their sailing skills or earn a Maryland Boating Certificate, to learn about marine trades, and offer job training and internship programs. Additional adaptive water sports and programs will be offered at the ABC to expand outreach to more guests including paddle boarding, kayaking, and remote-controlled sailboat racing.
CRAB’s fleet of boats will also expand to include an adaptive pontoon boat that will allow people in wheelchairs to experience being on the Bay - fishing, crabbing, or earning a boating certificate. Another vessel to be added to the fleet will be a CRAB race boat, so that CRAB sailors can participate in Wednesday Night Sailboat Racing, a cherished evening among Annapolis finest sailors!
Take a look at the ABC Brochure!
For more information or to get involved, please contact Debbie Daugherty, Director of Development, at debbie@crabsailing.org.
Milestones:
January 2017 - CRAB Board of Directors decided to look for a location that would allow growth without limitations
June 2019 - Maryland Governor Hogan awards CRAB $1 Million in the state budget for the Adaptive Boating Center
September 3rd, 2020 - Board of Public Works approves $1 million for Adaptive Boating Center
November 19th, 2020 - Lease for property signed with the City of Annapolis
January 20th, 2021 - Waterway Improvement Grant approved - floating dock
January 26th, 2021 - City of Annapolis Port Warden hearing - marina permit
February 9th, 2021 - City of Annapolis Planning and Zoning department - grading and building permit
Next Steps:
Permits
Ground Breaking
Demolition
Floating Docks
Construction
Ribbon Cutting
