Heart of Sailing introduces sailing to children with developmental disabilities as a form of education and recreational therapy.
EXCITEMENT & ADVENTURE LAUNCHED THE 2009 SAILING SEASON
Captain George continues his adventures as Heart of Sailing’s Ambassador, traveling from state to state (and internationally) developing chapter locations for Heart of Sailing’s Daysail program. After the Houston/Galveston area was devastated by Hurricane Ike, Captain George and loyal volunteers and friends of Heart of Sailing rallied to put Zephyr back in the water, the boat originally used for that chapter. After successful efforts, Captain George embarked on a voyage to transfer Zephyr from her destroyed home, the former Bayland Marina. Along with crewmember, Janeane, he departed Seabrook, Texas bound for St. Petersburg, Florida so that Zephyr could be utilized in the ambassador voyages and Daysails in Florida. The original trip plan was anticipated to be 7-10 days but mother nature and the sea proved very challenging. Captain George and Janeane were hampered by engine failure, storms and rough seas, and damage to the keel which threatened to sink the boat and required them to pump water continuously for 3 days. Damaged and exhausted, they sailed into Key West after 13 days at sea. Since that time, the crew has been high and dry in Key West waiting on completion of repairs to Zephyr. On Saturday, with Zephyr in beautiful condition, Captain George will begin resuming Daysails in Key West, and on Monday working his way up the coast of Eastern Florida. Visit the website for more information or to register for the Florida Daysails (which, by the way, are nothing like a blue water crossing for all of those curious in participating). In the next few months, Captain George and Janeane will be posting a story and photos about their adventure crossing the Gulf of Mexico.
Heart of Sailing is proud to announce that we now have 40 Chapters across the US and Canada, and are grateful for the continuing interest and support. Changes to the website are anticipated later this spring to facilitate online registration and Daysail management for Chapter Directors and participants. More information will follow. We look forward to seeing you soon and sharing the therapeutic benefits of sailing!
At Heart of Sailing, summer is truly sailing by. Sure, we know it isn’t “officially” summer for another week, but we’ve certainly been filling up the days with sailing adventures in several different regions. Have you sailed with us yet this season? If not, click the Sail With Us link to view available dates in a location near you.
In May, Heart of Sailing presented again at the annual Autism One Conference in Chicago, where actress and author Jenny McCarthy was the keynote speaker. It was the second appearance for Heart of Sailing at the conference, and we were pleased to meet so many more families.
Heart of Sailing has received another boat donation! At the end of May, Captain George traveled to the St. Louis area to pick-up a beautiful 25 ft. Ericson which was donated by David Mitchell. The boat will be used in the Indiana regional programs.
Summer fun continues as Heart of Sailing is partnering with Happy Hollow Day camp to assist with sailing instruction in a smaller dinghy donated by Brad Rice and Ross Griffith. Visit the Happy Hollow website at http://happyhollowcamp.net to learn more.
In June, Heart of Sailing was honored to learn we had been selected by Angel Funding and The Shining Star Project to receive support and a grant in the amount of $2,500. Volunteer Program Director Amber Burton Small attended a dinner at Scholar’s Inn in Bloomington to receive the award on behalf of HoS. Amber enjoyed meeting the founder of Angel Funding, Rob Hanrahan, as well as the committed young men of Sigma Phi Epsilon who are managing the programs. We will have more information about Angel Funding and The Shining Star Project in an upcoming newsletter.
Galina loved it! I have rarely seen her light up the way she did when she got to sail the boat.
Galina's Dad, Michael
Phil's apprehension was gone as soon as he boarded WhiteCap
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My name is Christine and I would like to thank you for referring us to this website. We have 2 boys ages 5 and 3. We signed up with Heart of Sailing and went sailing last weekend in Dana Point. Our 3 year old (Ethan) who is autistic was so delighted and excited with the whole experience. I almost cried when he said "yes" when the Captain asked if he enjoyed the trip. Ethan hardly ever say anything at all and for him to respond to the Captain was really a big improvement for all of us. It means a lot to us to hear him. Thank you soooo much for everything. GOD bless you and your family.
Sincerely, Christina
My son, Jesse has Down Syndrome and I took him down to this excursion. He absolutely loved it. George Saidah, his staff and the Dana Point Yacht Club were so awesome. My son had the best time of his life. He loves boating and any water experience. They allowed him to navigate. He asked for a map (which now he knows at sea it is called a chart) and remembered every single spot we went. He holds on to that chart. I have one very happy pirate because that is what he calls himself now and he cannot wait for the next trip!!!
The staff are unbelievable with the children. Mr. Saidah is a very special man to be doing this and donating his time. He is so patient.
I really recommend this to all parents and volunteers.
