Family Sails
Inclusive sailing program designed for people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers.
Family Sails
Sailing is one of the few genuinely inclusive recreational sports where people with and without disabilities share the same experience. In addition, working as a team sailing the boat creates new and rewarding experiences that serve to enhance family bonds.
Families enjoy being on the water in a safe and beautiful environment that serves as a wonderful learning experience for everyone. Trained volunteer skippers and crew ensure the comfort and safety of everyone. For families and caregivers this can be a wonderful respite that is sure to provide special memories as everyone enjoys sailing together on the majestic Chesapeake Bay.
Family Sails are offered free of charge and take place one Sunday and one Thursday afternoon each month. Other opportunities may be available.
Who Qualifies for the Family Sail Program?
CRAB offers its Family Sail Program to anyone with a disability, plus their family and caregivers. To be eligible to sail, the person with a disability must participate.
![Photo of CRAB guest in wheelchair, between a standing caregiver on the right and a kneeling CRAB volunteer on the left.](https://crabsailing.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_8280-edited-scaled.jpg)
![A group photo of a family enjoying a sail on a CRAB sailboat during a family sailing program.](https://crabsailing.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_5644-1620x1080.jpg)
![A photo of a smiling CRAB guest on the water in a CRAB sailboat.](https://crabsailing.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/20220626_104828-edited-scaled-e1678980751378-980x1080.jpg)
“For someone who grew up defined by disability, being able to steer a sailboat was a very, very big deal! Thank you for making this all possible!”
– Joan Chevalier
Join the Family Sail Program
If the Family Sail Program sounds right for you click the interest form button below and you will be contacted by CRAB staff to register for an event. Caregivers, families and people with disabilities can initiate the registration process.
Family Sails are open for scheduling 2 months in advance, but that doesn’t mean you missed your chance. There may be more opportunities to sail so submit a registration form and get on the list today!
![A photo of CRAB volunteers helping guests transfer from their wheelchair to a CRAB sailboat.](https://crabsailing.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/hero-vertical-796x1080.jpg)
Things to Consider
![A photo of a CRAB sailboat with gusts and volunteers on the water.](https://crabsailing.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_3140-810x1080.jpg)
I’m Ready to Sail
Fill out all of the registration documents. Once your documents are received, we will contact you via email with confirmation and next steps.
![A photo of a CRAB guests being transferred from the dock to a CRAB sailboat using CRAB's aqua lift, previously referred to as a Hoyer lift.](https://crabsailing.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_7604-1620x1080.jpg)
![A photo of CRAB volunteers helping a guest using the transfer box to move from the dock to a CRAB sailboat.](https://crabsailing.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG_2517-scaled.jpg)
How will I get on the boat?
CRAB uses lifts and transfer slides to safely board guests with mobility challenges on sailboats. The Gemini power catamaran has a ramp for easy access without leaving your wheelchair. CRAB staff and volunteers receive extensive training before they are qualified to assist guests with the transfer process. Every guest is provided the utmost care for a safe and comfortable boarding experience.