Changing Lives One Sail at a Time.
Providing the therapeutic benefits of sailing to people with disabilities, recovering warriors, and youth from underserved communities.
People with disabilities and underserved youth face daunting challenges; limited access to community services, inactivity, isolation, and poor self-esteem, which can lead to a lower quality of life. At the same time, the veterans, youth, and adults who participate in CRAB’s programs experience an increase in their quality of life through outdoor recreation that many never thought possible.
CRAB serves people with any disability, including Cerebral Palsy, deafness, Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, blindness, Autism Spectrum, PTSD, TBI, limb difference, paraplegia, quadriplegia, stroke, cancer, and the elderly.
Recovering warriors from the region participate in several regattas and sailing clinics throughout the season. The opportunity for warriors to bring family members, friends, and even service dogs has served to facilitate their recovery and therapy.
Children from underserved communities in the county have found sailing with CRAB to be a tremendous boost to their learning, leadership, teamwork, and enjoyment of sailing on the Bay. Sailing with peers and resource officers has created a strong bond between everyone on the boat and the enhanced relationships are taken back to their schools and classrooms.
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 an 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
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.
News & Updates
from CRAB
