New York State Department of Health’s Helen Hayes Hospital Hosts Sailing Clinic for Individuals with Disabilities
June 18, 2026Hospital Partners with Nyack Boat Club to Provide Inclusive Access to Sailing on the Hudson River
Nyack, NY (June 18, 2026) — The New York State Department of Health’s Helen Hayes Hospital once again partnered with the Nyack Boat Club to offer their annual Adapted Sailing Clinic on June 18th. Eighteen individuals with disabilities boarded Sonar keelboats to learn from members of the Nyack Boat Club’s Sonar Fleet 23, who guided participants in the use of adapted sailing equipment and techniques.
Following a lively introduction luncheon overlooking the Hudson River, participants descended to the boat club’s docks to board the keelboats, assisted by hospital and boat club staff and assistive devices such as sliding boards. Participants spent the remainder of the sunny afternoon on the water, receiving hands-on instruction from Sonar Fleet 23’s expert sailors.
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in activities that promote health, independence and quality of life,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “This sailing clinic demonstrates what is possible when community partners come together to remove barriers and create inclusive experiences. I thank the staff at Helen Hayes Hospital and the Nyack Boat Club for helping individuals with disabilities build confidence, develop new skills and enjoy a beautiful day on the Hudson River.”
“Access to water-based recreation remains a significant challenge for many individuals with disabilities, which makes opportunities like this so meaningful,” said Peter Gagliardo, Adapted Sports Coordinator at Helen Hayes Hospital.“Thanks to our longstanding partnership with the Nyack Boat Club, we’re able to make sailing more accessible and help participants discover that these experiences are possible for them. That’s what adapted sports and recreation is all about: removing barriers, building confidence, and creating opportunities for everyone to participate, connect, and thrive.”
The Adapted Sailing Clinic is an annual offering of Helen Hayes Hospital’s Adapted Sports & Recreation Program—the region’s most comprehensive four-season adaptive recreation program. The program offers sports and recreation opportunities to individuals with disabilities of all experience levels, including sled hockey, rowing, golf, baseball, waterskiing, skiing, sailing, kayaking, handcycling, gardening, bowling, adaptive video gaming, billiards, and more. To learn more, visit the program online at www.helenhayeshospital.org/adapted-sports-recreation.
