Adaptive Boating Center
The Adaptive Boating Center (ABC) is a partnership project between the State of Maryland, Anne Arundel County, and the City of Annapolis; all have allocated significant resources towards the building of the $6M project.
Boating & Resource Center
Designed to ensure that people with all types of disabilities can access and enjoy equitable access to Chesapeake Bay.
The Adaptive Boating Center is open year-round, with a 16-slip floating dock marina, increased adaptive boarding equipment for guests (Hoyer lifts and transfer slides), an open-air pavilion, and a 2,600 sq. ft learning center, all built to exceed ADA standards. Certification courses, sailing and boating training courses, and therapy courses for people with disabilities will be incorporated into CRAB’s existing sailing programs and will continue to be offered free of charge.
The Don Backe Learning Center is at the heart of the Adaptive Boating Center facility. This universally accessible learning environment allows guests to participate year-round in CRAB educational and training programs. CRAB has consulted with the Maryland Department of Disabilities, the Maryland Assistive Technology Reuse Center, the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation, and the Bay Area Center for Independent Living to identify the tools necessary to create this cutting-edge accessible learning environment.
A Closer Look at the ABC
When you arrive at the CRAB Adaptive Boating Center you will first be struck by is peaceful beauty. Situated on Back Creek in Annapolis, the views from every aspect of the property inspire a sense of communion with the natural world around you.
Next you will notice the convenience and comfort the facility offers. With seven accessible guest parking spaces, five ADA-compliant restrooms, accessible picnic tables, adaptive technology, and a marina that exceeds current ADA requirements, our guests can be sure of an easy and enjoyable experience at the ABC.
The Arthur & Patricia Edwards Family Marina is the only Marina of it’s kind in the country, featuring 140 feet of raised floating docks, including an 80 foot T-Head, four Hoyer Lifts, transfer slides and boarding ramps all designed to safely board our guests onto any vessel.
When signing up for a CRAB program, guests have their choice of sailing on one of its six Beneteau 22As, its Martin 16 sip/puff sailboat, or its Gemini Freestyle Power Catamaran. Members of the community may also wish to request CRAB assistance with boarding private vessels from this incredible facility.
The Beauty of
Back Creek
Host your next event at the ABC.
Discover our new fully ADA compliant facility now available to rent for corporate and social events. The ABC is nestled in the heart of Back Creek and features beautiful views and slowly moving tidal waters. Guests will be captured by beautiful natural light and breathtaking sunsets.
All proceeds from event rentals are used to support CRAB’s adaptive recreation programs.
Facility Rentals
CRAB proudly offers the Adaptive Boating Center for rent for meetings, banquets, family reunions, weddings, and other festivities. CRAB offers a list of approved vendors for your convenience and all proceeds from the rental contract directly support CRAB therapeutic recreation programs for people with disabilities, recovering warriors and youth from underserved communities.
Rentals Include
Features of the ABC
Learn about “A Day With CRAB” original mural by Cindy Fletcher Holden
Learn More About the Adaptive Boating Center
Location & Hours
Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating
7040 Bembe Beach Road
Annapolis, MD 21403
Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Saturday – Sunday by Appointment
