Adaptive Sailing Clinic Steers Into Uncharted Waters
Released: September 13, 2004
Hoping for a gentle but steady breeze, members of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater wheelchair basketball team will try their hand at a new endeavor -- sailing.
On Saturday, Sept. 25, Delavan Lake Yacht Club (DLYC) is hosting an adaptive sailing clinic for 11 of the UW-Whitewater student athletes with disabilities and additional sailors with disabilities from Chicago. One of the top female sailors in the country, Betsy Alison, will be on board as instructor.
UW-Whitewater is known for its select mission to serve students with disabilities. This past summer an alliance between the university and the DLYC was formed with the intent of promoting sailing as a lifelong sport, even for those with physical limitations. According to DLYC President Richard Beers, the yacht club wants to attract sailors of all types, to help start a competitive collegiate and high school sailing program on Delavan Lake and to become an international center for adaptive sailing. Several of its members will be donating their time, their skills and their boats for this clinic.
“We are providing a fleet of 13 Flying Scots for the adaptive clinic,” said Beers, noting that these boats are more stable and broader than other types of racing boats. “We are especially pleased that world-renowned sailor Betsy Alison, who has arranged to arrive directly from the Paralympic Games in Athens, has agreed to lead the clinic.”
A five-time winner of the prestigious Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year, Alison has won numerous regattas and events throughout the world. She was named 1999 Coach of the Year in Sailing by the U.S. Olympic Committee for her work with disabled youth and women sailors. From her home in Rhode Island, Alison commented that she is eager to lend her support to this venture.
“By blending the efforts of a university and a private yacht club, I think this is a unique opportunity to be a model for other communities,” Alison said. “This pilot program could have a great impact on a sport that is so welcoming and empowering for people of all ages and abilities.”
Tracy Chynoweth, coach of the wheelchair basketball team, said the players get excited about new learning opportunities. “I think the challenge will be understanding the strategies of the wind and the boats. Their athleticism, strength and ability to get around won’t be a main concern.”
In addition to the Sept. 25 clinic, a beginning sailing course will be offered to all students in the spring for credit, thanks to the foundational efforts of Barb Jones, assistant chancellor for student affairs. Jones has been sailing for 15 years and is a member of the DLYC. She recalled that UW-Whitewater used to have a competitive sailing team many years ago.
“I think the wheelchair athletes will particularly enjoy the competitive aspect of sailing,” Jones said. “For me, it is an incredible sport because it is only you, the boat and the wind. It’s an amazing feeling.”
The adaptive sailing clinic begins at 9 a.m. and runs until 4:30 p.m. A buffet supper is planned for after the event featuring Alison as guest speaker. For more information, contact Barb Jones at (262) 472-1051 or jonesb@uww.edu.
- Jane Provorse ,provorsj@uww.edu
