Day outings are the heart of Access to Sailing's therapuetic programs. Most sailing day trips last about 2-3 hours, as we cruise inside the calm waters of Long Beach Harbor. Trips depart from Shoreline Village in Long Beach (see map).

Although ATS uses several boats for sailing trips, our primary program sailboat is the 64-foot ketch Varsouviana, a beautiful wood-trimmed vessel with two masts.

Groups meet at the dock alongside the boat. If the captain is Duncan Milne, this is when he wows everyone with his famous self-hoisting from the dock to his platform next to the steering wheel.

Then the guests board the boat. Guests in wheelchairs are hoisted aboard, or lifted from a ramp. Other guests climb the steps, and those who need assistance are helped aboard.

Everyone gathers around the captain for a safety orientation. Then anyone who is not a strong swimmer is fitted by the crew with a coast guard approved lifejacket.

Wheelchairs are secured. Guest are seated. The engine is started, the crew casts off and away we go. Once outside the inner harbor, in front of the magnificent ship Queen Mary, the captain turns Varsuviana into the wind for the hoisting of sails.

Guests are encouraged to help the crew to the extent that their disability allows. With the instruction and assistance of the captain and crew, the sails are raised and set, and the boat takes off under nature's power.

Once out at sea, guests are invited to take turns steering at the helm, under the captain's close supervision. Sails must be trimmed (adjusted). Also, each trip requires one or more tacks, or turnings, during which sails must be moved to the other side of the boat. And of course the sails must be lowered at the end of the cruise. So there is plenty to do and learn, to challenge the guests, and give them an opportunity to contribute.

Rehabilitation is simply natural when there is fun, challenge, wind and sea, a chance to contribute, to build self-esteem and independence. This is the magic of an ATS day outing. Come join us...book your outing now.




 

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Access to Sailing, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. Established 1990.
mailing address: 6475 East Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, CA 90803
phone (562) 433-0561 / email: info@accesstosailing.org

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