633 Boston Post Rd, Westbrook, CT 06498
633 Boston Post Rd, Westbrook, CT 06498
To enrich lives by providing safe, barrier-free sailing for people of all ages and abilities, building a supportive and inclusive community where everyone can discover the joy of exploring Long Island Sound by sailboat.
The story of SCA began in 1989, sparked by the vision of a Guilford resident who, despite being paralyzed, refused to give up his passion for the sea. His dream was simple but profound: to ensure that anyone living with a disability or special need could experience the freedom of sailing. Alongside a small group of determined volunteers and a single donated vessel, the program first launched at City Point in New Haven.
In 1993, an invitation from Rives Potts, General Manager of Pilots Point Marina, brought us to our permanent home in Westbrook’s South Yard. Over the decades, our tireless volunteers have expanded our capabilities, raising the funds necessary to acquire two 20-foot sailboats specifically modified for accessibility. These, along with a donated 23-foot Pearson Ensign, form a fleet that is as responsive and high-performing as it is safe.
To ensure the water is accessible to everyone, our facilities include:
Today, led by our part-time Chief Sailing Instructor and a team of over 30 volunteer skippers and mates, we facilitate up to 1,500 sailing outings annually. We serve a diverse network of sailors with various physical and developmental challenges, maintaining a heartfelt focus on supporting children and our honored wounded Veterans.
Our program runs five days a week, with up to three departures daily. Beyond our regular schedule, we host four popular Saturday Open Houses each summer. These are true community celebrations where neighbors share a sailing excursion, enjoy complimentary refreshments, and partake in a potluck feast provided by our generous supporters.
At the heart of our program is the belief that the therapeutic benefits of sailing should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical or developmental abilities. We provide unlimited outings for a nominal annual membership fee, which is fully subsidized for Veterans and individuals with financial need. Additionally, we maintain ongoing partnerships with numerous local organizations that join us for regular group sessions each year.
Our membership fees cover only a small fraction of our expenses, so we rely on the vital support of private grants and the enduring kindness of donors. It is through this collective generosity that SCA continues to navigate toward a bright, inclusive future for all of our sailors.
Our crew brings decades of diverse maritime experience to every excursion, ranging from navigating historic schooners and coastal cruisers to piloting tour boats and safety launches. With credentials including USCG Captains’ licenses and professional sailing endorsements, our team combines technical mastery with a deep-rooted passion for accessible recreation. Many members have spent a lifetime on the Long Island Sound and beyond, perfecting everything from high-seas yachting to leisurely sailing designed for maximum comfort.
Beyond their nautical skills, our crew includes educators, engineers, and safety advocates who treat every trip as an opportunity to share the joy of the sea. Whether they are teaching the physics of sailing to a new generation or ensuring a smooth, safe transition from land to deck, they share a single mission: to provide an inclusive, relaxing, and enriching environment for all. With our friendly “sea puppy” often on board and a focus on safety, our team ensures every journey is as memorable as it is secure.
Our fleet features two 21-foot 2000-model Catalina Independence 20s, expertly designed for accessibility without compromising the joy of the open water. These sloop-rigged vessels accommodate up to eight passengers and feature factory-installed sailing stations with floor receivers for adaptive seating. These specialized seats include safety straps and a swivel mechanism that allows sailors who use wheelchairs or require extra support to transition smoothly between sides.
For those seeking a classic, more rugged journey, our 1965 23-foot Pearson Ensign holds up to ten passengers and offers traditional wood-slat seating and a winch-operated jib, perfect for more adventurous outings.
To ensure a seamless experience from land to sea, our facility includes an 80-foot, low-slope ramp and a Hoyer Lift for safe transfers. Whether you are boarding a Catalina or the Ensign, we built our infrastructure to prioritize your comfort and safety. We’ve streamlined every detail—from the self-tacking jibs to the specialized docking—so you can focus entirely on having an enjoyable sailing outing.
Our membership program offers diverse tiers to ensure everyone can enjoy the water. Options range from Family and Individual plans to specialized rates for Veterans, Adaptive Sailors, and Next Generation participants. We waive dues for volunteers, staff, and disabled veterans to honor their service and support. We also provide scholarship opportunities and various sponsorship levels—such as Super Yacht or Coastal Cruiser—allowing donors to fund scholarships or honor loved ones. Our inclusive structure ensures that financial constraints never stand in the way of a season filled with unlimited sailing trips.