Changing Lives One Sail at a Time.

Young adult male guest in wheelchair with male adult caregiver standing behind him.

Providing the therapeutic benefits of sailing to people with disabilities, recovering warriors, and youth from underserved communities.

Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) is the premier provider of unrestricted access to the Chesapeake Bay. CRAB is the only boating program offering equity and equality to its guests in a fully accessible environment at no cost to them.

It All Adds Up

CRAB has provided life-changing experiences to thousands of guests for more than 30 years and is honored to provide this unique service on the largest and most scenic estuary in the United States, the Chesapeake Bay. This would not be possible without the generous support of many volunteers, sponsors and individual donors.

CRAB Cup for Accessible Boating

The 18th Annual CRAB Cup will be held Saturday, August 17, 2024. This event is the largest fundraiser of the year for Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating. Your support will make it possible for CRAB to offer its sailing and boating programs free of charge for people with disabilities, recovering warriors, and children from underserved communities.

In 2023 the CRAB Cup had 88 sailboats registered for the pursuit race and a growing number in the 2nd Annual Poker Pursuit. Our family-friendly races are sure to generate a few stories to share at the shore party! The party is held at the Eastport Yacht Club and starts at 4:00. More than 500 guests dance to the live music and dine on the delicious food provided by Boatyard Bar & Grill.

“This experience has given me inspiration that angels actually do exist. They’re just not two feet tall with wings. They’re human beings that walk this earth and look just like a normal person. But in fact, they’re truly angels.”

It’s the people, not the facilities, that show off CRAB’s strengths. Volunteers and staff are professional, attentive and recognize us as family when we return.

– Wayne Valentine

84

Boating Events

3,825

Volunteer Hours

818

Active Donors

41

Sponsors

Group of CRAB volunteers and staff standing in parking lot of CRAB facility.

As a volunteer, I loved to see my guests’ eyes light up as the boat moved accross the water.”
– Priscilla Travis

Get Involved

CRAB volunteers are dependable, energetic and compassionate about teaching sailing to our guests with disabilities.


Frequently Asked Questions

There is no cost for sailing with CRAB. CRAB relies on donations to support its operational and facilities costs.

Sign up using this form! Or email Shannon, shannon@crabsailing, to reserve your spot for a sailing event.

Water, snacks, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, rubber soled shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing – note that it can be cooler on the water. We will provide life jackets (PFDs) for all participants.


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!

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 registered guests. They can also come to regattas and watch you race.