Yacht Competition Racing for the Disabled Takes Off!

Yacht racing, though it may seem like "a breeze" to spectators (to turn a phrase), is really a lot more complicated than it looks. Anyone who's ever been involved in a "backyard regatta" or a world-class yacht race will tell you: This is a sport that requires very savvy technical skills and a strategic mind. Still think anyone can do it? Just ask anyone who's served as a crew member in a yacht-racing adventure catered to the disabled. Here's a guarantee: They'll look at you like you're crazy.

Races are always set along a designated course, and are usually sponsored by a Disabled Sailors association (which can be found in most of our United States and abroad). Usually, men's and women's teams compete separately, and boats can range from Olympic-class dinghies to basic, modern fiberglass-planing dinghies. In fact, this sport has been internationally recognized since 1976, when it was featured in the Montreal Olympics.

As with any sport, volunteers are always needed for upcoming events. For example, the St. Francis Yacht Club will host the upcoming 470 Class North American Races in the San Francisco Bay area in mid- to late August. This race is just one of many taking place all across the United States, solely for disabled racers, and they'll need skippers and deck hands to help get the action going.

Usually, the schedule of events covers completing entry forms, yacht measurement, a festive "opening ceremony," often accompanied with music, light Hor devours and champagne; and on each race day, sailors will enjoy a continental breakfast in the morning and a fun-filled evening of food and drinks following the race.

The Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors (BAADS), like most, allows every participant to solicit foundation or corporate sponsorships, and again, many positions are available, from one of the most important sailing races Association and the United States 470

And, no matter who wins, the closing ceremonies are nothing to sneeze at. You'll be entertained, wined, and dined while enjoying the sounds of a great jazz or blues band, commemorating the event's end. Another plus is that, for this race and many others throughout the country, you can qualify for an Olympic race - if you're the lucky winner, that is.

David Dunlap is the owner and founder of Only For Yachts, an online resource for everything related to yachts. Visit http://onlyforyachts.com to get information on yacht charters, yachts for sale and also sign up for the free yachting newsletter.

More Resources

Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting

More Cruising & Sailing Information:

Related Articles

Simple Things for the "Sailing Life"
Owning a boat has an oxymoronic quality to it. "The simple life" can be pretty complex--I think of it as having a plane, a car, and a house compressed into a very small space.
Six-Star Cruising on Luxury Cruise Lines
A luxury cruise is just what the name implies, a cruise at the upper end of the spectrum, not just five stars but a six-star cruise. There are six cruise lines that are in the luxury class: Crystal Cruise Line, Cunard Cruise Line, Radisson Seven Seas, The Yachts of Seabourn, Silversea Cruise Line, and Windstar Cruises.
The Merchant Navy and the Internet
A web site dedicated to the writings of the sea, ships and all those that sail on them? It sounds strange as who knows what the Merchant Navy is or what those at sea actually do all day, those who work in the Industry that is. Isn't the Merchant Navy something to do with fishing or fighting? What is interesting about that? "Get a real job", some would say and others would ask "and so why haven't you got a sun tan".
New Zealand Cruise Expert Guide
New Zealand is a country guaranteed to surprise.Emerald green landscapes and towering mountainsmingle with spectacular fjords and icy glaciersin a land that is only 2,200 kms from the frozencontinent of Antarctica.
Luxury Cruises On The Mediterranean
A classic Mediterranean cruise visits major port cities located on the northern shores of the Mediterranean Sea in the countries of Spain, France, Italy, Monaco, Greece and Turkey and the islands of Malta, Crete and Sicily. Some cruises also include stops in Egypt.
Meguiars RV and Marine Boat Cleaners and Waxes; Test Results
One of the most famous and popular brands in the wax industry is Meguiar's. Meguiar's has stood the test of time as a brand name.
Learning How to Sail
When it comes to sailing, there are all kinds of things to learn how to do. How you go about learning will depend on your particular style.
Royal Caribbean Cruises! Where Their Slogan Is Get Out There? And They Mean It
Imagine a cruise line where choices include ships with golf courses and rock-climbing walls looming 200 feet over the ocean. Where there is so much happening, so much to discover and experience it's just possible the crack of dawn will need to be your wake up call.
Cunard! The Name Alone Evokes Nostalgia For A More Civilized Era
Traveling famously on a Transatlantic crossing or cruising the world on a stately Cunard has been the exemplar of the good life for 163 years. Cunard's rich legacy of lustrous White Star Service? and realm of privileged indulgence are the gold standard by which others are measured.
River Cruises Can be Such a Rich Experience
Exploring Europe can be such a unique experience with a River Cruise. You just unpack once on this floating hotel and there you go cruising with river cruises over magnificent castles, significant towns and cities, appealing villages and lavish vineyards.
Internet Cruises - Shopping Online
"If you build it, they will come."That advice, which prompted an Iowa farmer in the 1989 movie "Field of Dreams" to plow over his corn field and build a baseball diamond, has become the mantra of many high-tech startups promoting electronic commerce on the Internet.
Crystal Cruises: An Air Of Elegance, Presence Of Beauty, And Incredible Spirit Of Adventure
On a Crystal cruise it is not difficult to find what you seek. In fact, your search for a place beyond ordinary is over.
Tips on Marina and Dock Sealing
It is important to follow these procedures when sealing a private dock or a dock at the marina. Always let the dock dry for three to twenty-four hours before applying any coating or sealant.
The Absolute Best Romantic Gift Idea!
We all want to please and impress that special someone in our lives with a romantic gift. Millions are spent every year trying to accomplish this feat.
Buying the Perfect Boat
Why is it, that when you are looking to buy a boat, you can never find one that suits your needs? This is what happens to many people every year and in particular to ourselves. It's just like buying a house.
Boat Winterization Services and Charges, Part II
Boat Winterization Services and Charges, Part IIIf you own a boat maintenance business you may have considered what your charges should be and what the boat owners are willing to pay. Here are some thoughts on the type of charges and services you should consider.
Luxury Cruising
A great cruise is much more than a journey. Blending the grandeur and nobility of seafaring with the imagination and style of the good life, it is my favorite way to explore the world.
Summertime And Boats... And Boat Insurance
Early summertime is the time of year, when boat owners start getting back on the water. I am speaking about pleasure boaters, those who use their boats to make a living fishing are on the water when the fish are under it.
Inflatable Boats and Inflatable Kayaks Are Naturally Safe and Stable
Inflatable boats such as inflatable kayaks, inflatable catamarans, and inflatable sport boats have several advantages over their traditional watercraft counterparts. They typically cost less, are easy to transport, and can operate in more shallow waters than a deep hull boat.
Mediterranean Cruise Expert Guide
A Mediterranean cruise is without doubt the most varied type of cruise available. There are more than 120 seaports around the Mediterranean coastline, offering numerous combinations of cruise vacations over one-week, two-week or longer trips.