NESS Offering Free Adaptive Sailing Lessons for People with Disabilities May 18

Stonington, CT – The New England Science & Sailing Foundation (NESS) is offering free adaptive sailing for people with disabilities on Saturday, May 18. This event is free and open to the public, but spots are limited, and advanced registration is required. Registration is available online at nessf.org/events. No prior sailing experience is necessary, NESS will provide a lifejacket, sailing equipment, and a captain. 
 
NESS’s Assistant Sailing Director Kali Cika is leading the adaptive sailing program at NESS this year. Of the sport she says: “Adaptive sailing offers opportunities for everyone to enjoy time on the water. At NESS, we are all about inclusiveness. Our specialized equipment and teaching methods make sailing a fun and accessible sport for everyone.”
 
NESS’s adaptive sailing supports individuals with a variety of cognitive and/or physical disabilities. With the right equipment, adaptive sailing is a great sport in which able-bodied and sailors with disabilities can participate together. In 2017, in collaboration with Sail To Prevail, NESS launched its adaptive sailing program in Stonington, CT. With this adaptive sailing program, NESS provides access to the ocean and takes students out of their comfort zones for personal growth and empowerment. NESS’s adaptive sailing program brings the fun and therapeutic qualities of sailing to individuals with diverse needs.
 
As a US Sailing recognized Community Sailing Center, NESS offers the highest standard of quality instruction and facilities. In 2019, NESS was awarded the Jim Kilroy Outreach and Inclusion Award by US Sailing in recognition of its notable contributions to promote public access to sailing. 
 
Adaptive sailing private lessons are available at NESS’s Stonington location May through October. Private lessons are $150/session, scholarships are available.

About NESS: The New England Science & Sailing Foundation, Inc. (NESS), is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) ocean adventure education organization that engages students in experiential learning to build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills. Marine sciences, adventure sports, powerboating, and sailing are platforms for inquiry-based learning, personal discovery, teaching respect and responsibility for the sea, and creating connections with the community. NESS operates year-round with families, schools, and organizations to provide high-quality programs that blend an innovative curriculum with exciting ocean adventure activities. For more information, visit www.nessf.org.