Helen Hayes Hosts Another Fun Adaptive Sailing Outing!

June 10, 2011

Recently, the HHH Adapted Sports and Recreation program hosted its annual Adapted Sailing event, with great success. We have been hosting this for the past six years in conjunction with the Nyack Boat Club (NBC) in Nyack, New York. The Club’s headquarters are located in a beautiful facility right on the Hudson River, affording all of us a terrific opportunity to set sail on one of America’s most beautiful rivers.

Despite the clouds that rolled in and the threat of rain, the weather held out and all ten participants had a chance to get out on the water. Individuals of varying abilities took part in the program, which consists of two parts: an evening introductory classroom workshop on the basics of sailing, including a water safety test, if needed; followed by the day of actual sailing.

Thanks to the wonderful group at the Nyack Boat Club, we have access to Sonar boats, which are perfect sailboats to learn on, and very accessible. Each participant was assisted by a volunteer captain and crewperson from NBC, as well as by HHH staff who volunteered to help out at the event. Once everyone was on board, we had a blast.

A huge thank you to the many Nyack Boat Club volunteers, especially Jan Crittenden. By sharing your boats, your time and your expertise, you truly open up the world of sailing to someone who may have thought this sport was not an option for them. Thank you also to my colleague, Matt Castelluccio, our energetic Adapted Sports Coordinator, for pulling the event together

Check the Calendar on the hospital web site for dates of all the upcoming Adapted Sports events. Our next water event will be kayaking on July 20. We supply the kayaks, adapted seating and everything you’ll need. No doubt, it will be another fund day out on the river. See you then!

-Eileen Andreassi

Director Recreational Therapy