LEAVING DEPENDENCE ON THE DOCK: 

 Everyone can sail. Through a partnership with Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sport, LCCSC is able to back up this statement and offer sailing and paddling opportunities to people with physical, developmental and emotional disabilities. People with limited mobility or strength in their limbs need not sit and watch their families and friends have fun on the water. They can take the helm and be in charge or just come out for the peace and beauty of being on Lake Champlain. 

The AWP also features regattas and events. Click below for information on the following:

       Lake Champlain Martin 16 Invitational Regatta Aug 2-3, 3002

                 Chasing Champ Pursuit Race to benefit the Awp

LCCSC has 3 boats which make it easier for people with physical disabilities. One, a 24' Sonar has been adapted so that the skipper sits facing forward without the need to switch sides as the boat turns. Encircling this gimbaled seat is a horizontal steering wheel. It is a very clever concept designed by LCCSC Founding Director and architect, Marcel Beaudin. The Sonar sails with 2-10 people and has a heavy keel under the bottom which makes for excellent stability. 

Another adaptive boat is a Martin 16. This single or doublehanded keelboat (again, will not flip over) was designed to level the playing field and let people with physical disabilities race in open fleets without a time or distance handicap. Just sailor against sailor. The product is this 16' sailboat that gives independence to people who may live much of their lives with other people's help. LCCSC is hoping to raise the funds to purchase 2 devices that will make the Martin even more amazing: an electronics package that lets a person with very little arm strength or mobility control the sails with a joy stick and another with a sip and puff valve. This lets a high quadriplegic (someone who has little or no movement from the neck down) sail without assistance: the sailor sips to turn right, blows out through the straw to turn left and bites to switch to sail controls. The Martin 16 is the boat used for the Mobility Cup, an international regatta for disabled sailors.  

LCCSC is looking for more sailors with physical disabilities who are interested in becoming part of a fun, enriching experience and a great excuse to spend a lot of time outside. Contact us even if you have never sailed, all you need is a great attitude and a willingness to learn!

The other adaptive boat is the Access 303S Dinghy.  This is a single handed (and bright purple!) dinghy with a weighted centerboard.  This means that the boat cannot capsize.  LCCSC has the complete electronic assistance package that allows individuals with severely restricted mobility in their hands and arms to sail the boat on his/her own with the head/mouth operated control device.  This is an exciting addition to LCCSC's fleet of adaptive boats! 

Until they are ready, all sailors in the Adaptive Program are accompanied by a US Sailing certified instructor and AWP volunteer crew. Care givers and companions are also invited to sail for free.

Sailors are welcome to rent and take lessons in our exceptional adaptive sailboats: Sonar, Martin 16, and Access as well as LCCSC's other dinghy and keelboats. We also have canoes and kayaks.

Adaptive Program Rates:

All AWP sailing lessons are taught by a US Sailing Certified Sailing Instructor. Please call to discuss which boats and equipment are right for you. All AWP lessons are by appointment.

AWP rental is available on a walk-in or reservation basis however reservations must be made to guarantee a boat. Sailors will be asked to take a short written or verbal rental test prior to sailing and must abide by LCCSC's rental rules, boundaries and wind limits.