How many regattas have you run where you had as much fun – or more – than the competitors? Try adaptive sailing. The weekend of June 6-7, American Yacht Club hosted the First Annual Robie Pierce One-Design Regatta presented by Heineken. I was fortunate to have been a member of the organizing committee and served as PRO. The regatta was sailed in 22 specially adapted Ideal 18s provided by AYC, our cohosts Larchmont YC and Indian Harbor YC. As the disabled sailors had to remain in a seat while sailing, each adaptation was custom designed and built. Want to steer with your right hand? The skipper’s seat was to port and the crew’s to starboard. Buttons Padin and his artful craftsman from LYC put together and installed 24 sets of adaptations, leaving us an additional two for spare boats. Able-bodied crews (ABs) were provided for stability, safety and to perform functions that the sailors may not have been able to handle due to their disability. Twenty disabled teams and two teams of blind sailors competed and the competition was fierce, with most boats up and down in the standings the entire regatta. When the smoke cleared, the winners were US SAILING Team AlphaGraphics member Mark Leblanc, with crew Alex Streb. His AB? Tim Angle, himself a disabled sailor and a member of USSTAG. Each person is missing an arm, so they were the self-dubbed “3-handed team.” Get the idea these folks have a sense of humor? 

The Robie Pierce One-Design Regatta, with its slogan “Beyond Disabilities,” was a spinoff of the U.S. Disabled Championships held at AYC and co-hosted by LYC last year. Sailors said they didn’t need all the accouterments - just more venues and a chance to sail in a large fleet. 

Including the blind sailors, who don’t often sail in disabled regattas, raised some issues. We tried to equalize the boats by requiring that the sailors stay in their seats. They were not able to move side to side, nor get on the rail - only the AB could do that. I received an inquiry from Tufts coach Ken Legler, asking if we’d allow the blind sailors to sit on the rail, as they’re able to steer by feeling the wind on their face. In fact, when they sail downwind they face aft for just that reason. I was concerned that would give them an edge on the disabled sailors. Ken’s response was he’d be happy to have the blind sailors sit in the boat if the disabled sailors would be willing to sail blindfolded…that would’ve been interesting.

 

What do the organizers get that’s unique? How about inspiration? While some disabled sailors were born without an arm or leg, most either were diagnosed with a disease or had an accident as adults. They have every right to crawl into a cocoon and be angry with the world. However, sailing allows them to get out and do something that’s fun and makes them complete. In fact, sailing is the only sport where able-bodied and disabled athletes can compete on an equal basis. They have the most positive attitudes on life and wonderful senses of humor. If that isn’t inspirational, I don’t know what is. 

On a personal note, my houseguests for the weekend were my old friend Dr. Ted King and his wife Margie. Ted and I raced Lightnings against each other as kids and sailed thousands of miles together offshore, including five Newport- Bermuda Races. Ted suffered a stroke six years ago, and had another two years ago, leaving him with partial paralysis on his left side and some brain damage. The Robie Pierce Regatta was to be his first regatta since his stroke. He was excited, and yes, a little nervous. Not only did he have a wonderful time participating and had the start of the fleet in the last race, he’s the newest fan of disabled sailing. He will likely join Anne Allen’s team of classifiers, combining his medical and sailing backgrounds; he’s looking into starting an adaptive sailing program in Maine; and has set a personal goal of going to the Paralympics in England in 2012. Ted always did set the bar high.

A sense of humor? They have cornered the market. Last year I asked the person handling PR for the event to call my friend Hugh Elliot for a quote. Hugh is a double leg amputee, and was to be our Chief Judge for the U.S. Disabled Sailing Championship. He told her that one of the best things about being a double leg amputee is that he doesn’t get blisters on his feet from new shoes. She hasn’t stopped laughing yet.

How about appreciative? How many times in an able-bodied regatta does each competitor take the time to seek out the race committee and organizers to express their thanks? I’m sure Messrs Ellison and Bertarelli do it all the time. Sure.

They also thank sponsors. Without the financial support of our friends at Heineken, we could not have afforded to put on this regatta without substantially increasing the entry fee. For $125/crew they received a four-hour clinic with Dave Dellenbaugh,breakfast and lunch for three days, a free boat to use…and free Heineken. As I write this, (three days after the regatta ended), the majority have already sent notes of thanks to both Heineken and their local distributor.

To me, the crux of the matter was summed up by one competitor who said, “You can’t deal with life if you see yourself as a disabled person. You can deal with it when you understand that you are a person who happens to have a disability.”

I would ask readers of this column to talk with their yacht club or sailing facility and see what they can do to add an adaptive sailing program or regatta. It’s good for the sailors and good for our sport. And you know what? You’ll find it’s good for you. You will have more fun and reap more personal rewards than you can ever imagine. A full regatta report follows.