p.e.i. group making sailing more accessible to islanders with disabilities
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cara flanagan is helped onto an able sail p.e.i. boat using a lift during the accessible sailing program launch in charlottetown.
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islanders with disabilities now have the opportunity to experience sailing thanks to the launch of a new program making the sport more accessible in p.e.i.
able sail p.e.i., founded by ben keizer, officially launched its pilot program this month after partnering with able sail handi-voile in shediac, n.b., allowing the organization to begin offering accessible sailing experiences sooner than expected.
“it was amazing,” keizer said of the launch weekend. “we were completely packed on saturday from 10 a.m. all the way to 6 p.m.”
keizer said the program has been more than a year in the making. after holding a demonstration event last summer to introduce the concept of accessible sailing, the organization attracted enough interest to catch the attention of the shediac-based program.
“they offered to bring us underneath them so that we could have boats for this summer,” he said. “with their help, we were able to get people out on the water before we really thought we would be.”
able sail p.e.i. founder ben keizer, right, takes part in a demonstration event last summer in charlottetown to introduce the concept of accessible sailing. he is joined by john emery, left, of able sail shediac, and sailing instructor lily balderston simmonds, centre. able sail p.e.i. launched its pilot program earlier this month.
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the partnership allowed able sail p.e.i. to move ahead without raising the approximately $40,000 keizer had previously estimated would be needed to launch the program independently.
the organization currently has access to a racing sailboat and a recreational sailboat that allows participants to bring family members or support persons on one-hour sailing trips.
positive response
keizer said the response from participants during the launch weekend was overwhelmingly positive.
“we had one member say he’d lived on the water his entire life and had never been on a sailboat before,” keizer said. “he’s a true believer now that he’s been on a sailboat, and he wants to come back.”
the pilot program will continue with sailing events on aug. 1 and 2, followed by another session on aug. 15 and 16. for now, sailing opportunities are offered every second weekend, but keizer hopes to expand the schedule next summer.
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to make that possible, the organization is looking for donations to help keep participation affordable. while this year’s pilot program is free, able sail p.e.i. expects to introduce a membership fee next season.
keizer said a $150 donation can cover the cost of two sailing sessions for one participant, while a $500 donation can support someone for the entire summer.
“i just want everyone to know that everyone can sail,” he said.
“and i think access and accessibility improves our waterfront and it supports islanders across the island, not just in charlottetown.”
back on the water
cara flanagan who attended the launch said it gave her the opportunity to sail on her own again for the first time in about 11 years.
she said getting onto the boat was easy because of the new accessible ramp.
“it was wonderful,” flanagan said. “the weather was perfect. i had a lovely time.”
flanagan, who has been sailing for years, said the program has given her the opportunity to get back on the water independently.
“i think it’s great for everybody to get the chance to get in the water,” she said. “able sail is allowing everybody to be involved, whether it be blind or mobility.”
flanagan learned about the group last year when it was in its early stages and was hopeful for the launch. she said she hopes the program continues in p.e.i. and plans to take part in future sailing events.
“it’s a great program that has been brought here to p.e.i., so hopefully it’ll continue,” she said.
anyone interested in participating can register by emailing info@ablesail.ca.
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vivian ulinwa is a reporter for the guardian in prince edward island. she can be reached at vulinwa@postmedia.com and followed on x @vivian_ulinwa.
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