SMCIL is hosting an accessible sailing experience on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 with Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) for Southern Marylanders living with disabilities. CRAB is the premier provider of unrestricted access to the Chesapeake Bay. CRAB’s vision of full inclusion is rooted in a deep commitment to increasing recreational opportunities for people with disabilities on the Chesapeake Bay. This effort is driven by the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to access the largest natural estuary in the nation and that personal growth and shared community experiences are essential to higher quality of life for everyone within our community.

Space is limited and available to qualified participants: individuals living with disabilities in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties and their caregiver, if needed. A wait list will be maintained for last-minute cancellations or possible future sail date. Participants will meet at SMCIL’s office in Mechanicsville, MD at 7:45 a.m. on Tuesday, July 18^th and be transported to CRAB’s Accessible Boating Center in Annapolis via SMCIL’s wheelchair accessible bus. Participants and SMCIL Staff will participate in a 2-hour interactive sail aboard six (6) of CRAB’s adapted Beneteau First 22A sailboats designed specifically for accessibility. Participants with mobility impairments will board the boats using a transfer slide or Hoyer Lift and will be secured in race car bucket seats with 4-point harness seatbelts. After enjoying our morning sail, participants will board SMCIL’s bus to have lunch at a local park before traveling back to SMCIL’s office. Lunch has been donated by Apple Spice Junction for this event. To learn more about this event and reserve your spot, please contact SMCIL’s IL/AT Specialist, Stacy Tobin at 301-884-4498 ext. 2 or stobin@smcil.org.