Why create Heart of Sailing?

There are several organizations which provide sailing opportunities for the physically disabled as well as organizations that provide recreational therapy for children with development disabilities (such as horseback riding). HOS was created to provide a unique recreational activity not consistently available, building upon therapeutic practices in an environment which promotes teamwork and addresses many of the developmental needs of our target population. Sailing is a unique integrative sensory experience which is also enjoyed by the whole family.

Why is sailing beneficial for participants with developmental disabilities?

Sailing encourages abstract thought and teamwork, develops problem-solving skills and ultimately helps one learn patience and self-respect.

The experience of sailing is fully integrative incorporating physical and behavioral therapies. For many participants, it may be the first time for them to enjoy the unique sensations associated with sailing: the feel of the wind, smell of the ocean, and the movement of the waves, which provide sensory stimulus for many participants (the physical movement of the boat is especially effective for participants with vestibular issues).

Participants are encouraged to fully interact in the event (to the best of their abilities) by overcoming any apprehension and challenging them to participant as crew members by taking the helm, trimming the sails and learning the basics of sailing and maneuvering the boat. From basic water safety to understanding the concepts of the wind propelling the boat, the experience is diverse. In addition to the various sensory and behavioral stimuli, the experience is a relaxing and fun experience, one that incorporates the entire family.

Review the Sailing Therapy Benefits page for further information

Why create regional programs?

Regional programs target coastal and inland areas. While some may assume that sailing opportunities are plentiful for participants in coastal regions, HOS is truly the only organization of its kind. Inland programs are necessary and logical, providing sailing experiences on lakes, such as on Lake Monroe in Bloomington , Indiana , our headquarters. Increasing the number of regional programs allows us to reach a greater population, and enables parents, schools, organizations and associations to select a Daysail as the ultimate field trip experience. Participants who might otherwise be limited by travel and time constraints will have the chance to participate in a Daysail through the regional programs.

Who can participate?

We will provide our services primarily for cognitively impaired and special-needs children and adults. However, we do not restrict participants based upon age, having participants as young as 3 and others into their 90’s. We also gear the program to be family-oriented. At the minimum, each participant must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver and we encourage entire families to register, as the event is beneficial for everyone, and a bonding experience and lasting memory for the family. Parents, siblings and extended family may register, though we can usually accommodate no more than 8-10 participants depending upon the size of the boat. We also work in conjunction with schools, residential and treatment facilities, and mental health associations to recruit participants and will accommodate large groups for special events (with advanced planning).

What type of sailboat is used?

Our fleet consists of monohull sailboats which have keels to provide greater stability. As opposed to the traditional dinghy or sabot-sized sailboat used in traditional youth sailing instruction, the keel boats are larger with our fleet ranging from 22’ up to 56’. In addition to the stability provided for introductory Daysails, the boats offer more advantages such as larger cockpits to accommodate more participants, as well as larger deck service for moving around and exploring the boat. Also, the boat and cockpit are positioned higher up from the water, making it much safer and more appealing for novice sailors. You can read more details about our fleet by selecting your region of interest and viewing the pictures and boat descriptions under 'Fleet and Captains'.

Isn’t sailing dangerous?

As with any athletic activity, there are certain risks associated with sailing, but in comparison to many other activities it is a family friendly activity suitable for participants of all ages. HOS emphasizes boating and water safety and all participants under the age of 18 are required to wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (life jacket). Additionally, each boat is equipped with enough PFDs for all participants. The sailboats used are relatively stable and instruction covers man overboard procedures (in the unlikely event such happens). Prior experience and/or ability to swim are not required (the goal is to not get wet!). Your safety and enjoyment are our priority.

What are the other parents saying?

In 3 years of sailing with over 1600 families, we may have had 3 experiences that were not great. They were not bad experiences, since those families are still encouraging others to try it and see what happens. Click here to read what other participants, parents, caregivers or volunteers are saying about their sailing experience.

How do I register for a Daysail and how much does it cost?

The registration is automated on our web site. The link titled 'Sail With Us' takes you to a list of our regions where you may select your preferred location and view the sailing schedule. By selecting the option to “register” under the schedule, you will be directed to an online registration form. Upon completion of registration a confirmation email is sent to the address entered. Additional emails are sent closer to your scheduled Daysail to provide additional information such as driving directions. While there is no cost for the Daysail, there is a $10.00/per person registration fee. If you want to enjoy a meal with the Daysail, an additional $5.00 covers the meal expenses. We also accept additional donations (the actual cost to HOS of the Daysail is significantly higher). However, if financial circumstances affect your ability to pay the registration or meal expenses, please contact us to discuss options.

What should I do to prepare for the Daysail?

There isn’t much required in advance, since the Daysail is an introductory experience to sailing. We do recommend that you review our Story Board and Sail Info page to read more about what to expect. You can also view the photos and comments of prior participants as well as the location details and site information for your region. We also recommend that you read the Sailing Therapy Benefits page so that you have a better understanding of the therapeutic goals of the Daysail. For more information about a Daysail, please review the additional links including the Story Board in the Sail Info page.

If you have additional questions, you may email the Regional Director or Captain for your site.

What will a Daysail or Nightsail consist of?

A Daysail lasts approximately 2 hours and begins with participants gathering at the site location for some basic sailing instruction and to be fitted for life jackets. Participants are greeted by the site Captain who will provide the safety and sailing instruction. Instruction may take place on the boat or the dock, depending upon the facilities and Captain’s preference. Instruction begins with lessons on safety and emergency procedures followed by discussing the principles of wind and sailboats. During the Daysail, participants will learn basic sailing skills including the parts of a sailboat, marine vocabulary, and how to pilot and maneuver the sailboat. Meals are optional, and may be served aboard the boat during the Daysail or upon return to the dock. If two Daysails are scheduled in one day, the meal is often a joint activity with the morning and afternoon groups having the opportunity to meet and socialize. The completion of the Daysail involves participants receiving certificates and Olympic style medals and allows for photos with the Captain, crew and boat. For more information about a Daysail, please review the additional links including the Story Board in the Sail Info page.

What if a participant is reluctant to board the boat or wants to return early?

Apprehension and reluctance can be very normal for participants, especially if they have no experience or familiarity with boats or the water. We exercise patience and gentle persuasion and find that participants will most likely overcome fears and eventually climb aboard. There is no reason to rush or feel hurried. We can allow sufficient time. It is very rare that a participant will want to return once out on the water. In fact, most want to spend more time. If attempts at consoling or persuading a participant to remain for the length of the Daysail are not successful, we will return to the dock. Our goals are to make the event as fun and therapeutic as possible for the participants and their families.

What if a participant becomes seasick?

Participants rarely become ill due to the shorter duration of the Daysail. However, if a participant is prone to motion sickness, we do recommend that you take precautions in advance with appropriate medications or other over-the-counter treatment options. There are also ways to mitigate symptoms. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid an empty stomach with small snacks (avoid greasy foods). Ginger Ale or ginger tablets are sometimes effective as well. You may want to select a focus point on the horizon and in all situations, avoid going below deck since being inside the boat will exacerbate the motion sickness.

If all else fails, lean over the side out of the wind. Sometimes the nausea is alleviated after purging.

What if a participant refuses to wear a life jacket?

We understand that many of our participants may have tactile issues or other aversions to the sensation of wearing a life jacket. We have found that the ski-style jacket is the most comfortable for such participants. However, all participants under age 18 must wear a life jacket (PFD) or they cannot participate. No minors may be aboard the boat without an approved PFD. We also recommend that all adult participants wear life jackets for your personal safety.

What if I need to cancel a schedule Daysail?

Registration is made in advance and we understand that unforeseen circumstances can occur making it necessary for you to cancel your Daysail (illness, emergencies, or a participant is simply having a difficult day). However, we do request that you notify the site Captain or Regional Director as soon as possible about your cancellation. We do ask that you respect the volunteers and other participants by emailing or calling to notify of your cancellation. Since you may be scheduled to sail with another family of participants, if you fail to notify the Captain of your cancellation, you may unnecessarily delay the other participants’ Daysail while they await your arrival. Likewise, if you are running late, please attempt to call the Captain so he/she can be appropriately prepared. Please be aware that there is often a waiting list for participants, so if you cancel and notify the Captain, he/she may be able to schedule another family who are waiting.

How often may I schedule a Daysail?

Daysails are scheduled on a first-come first-serve basis, depending upon availability. There is no limit to the number of times you can participate. However, there is often more demand than available dates so priority may be given to families who have not sailed before. We encourage families to register often, though, as cancellations and schedules do change.

What does it take to open a Regional Program?

As discussed above more regional programs mean more participants can benefit from the therapeutic aspects of sailing. Opening a region can be done from a varieties of ways. If you are interested in starting a chapter in your region, please contact our Executive Director, George Saidah, at gsaidah@heartofsailing.org to discuss the process and financial requirements.