Ten Great Reasons to Support SCA

1. We are a not-for-profit organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; accordingly, your contribution to us may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

2. We have a long history of many accomplishments and growth; we have been in continuous operation since 1989. We are the only recreational sailing program for people with disabilities and special needs along the Connecticut shoreline.

3. With our little “fleet” of three specially adapted sailboats we annually provide as many as 1,500 individual sailing experiences to people with all manner of physical and developmental disabilities, and to people with special needs.

4. We provide annual memberships to our sailors, and provide group sailing opportunities to organizations serving the disabled and special needs communities, at fees considerably below our actual cost. Your donations make this possible. 

5. For any person with a disability or special need who expresses a financial hardship, we waive our annual dues and provide a subsidized membership with full privileges, without charge. We also offer complimentary memberships to our disabled and wounded Veterans. Simply check “request a scholarship” when you register.

6. Our Program is volunteer-driven; we have no administrative staff or offices. Instead, our growing corps of volunteers gives hundreds of hours to the program each year. Therefore, every dollar we receive goes directly into operating SCA.

7. We operate the Program on a shoestring; we seek and receive discounts and special donations for many of our purchases. Every dollar is wisely spent.

8. The enjoyment of sailing and the opportunity for a respite from the cares of everyday life is not all we provide; our members are able to spend time with other people with disabilities and special needs, interacting and enjoying one another’s company in ways that are both uplifting and therapeutic.

9. We’re more than just a boat ride; our members are given the opportunity to learn the joys of sailing, steering a sailboat and trimming the sails. Our skippers instruct our sailors about the manner in which a sailboat interacts with tide, wind and wave, and about the marine environment in which we sail.

10. We continually strive to provide a barrier-free, adaptive, safe, enjoyable and educational sailing experience to all.