My Awesomely Adaptive Sailing Adventure in Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Over the years, I’ve taken part in quite a few adventurous activities that I never imagined I’d be able to do. I went rock climbing in Utah, hot air ballooning over Israel, and even waterskiing in Tennessee. They all exceeded my expectations and after completing them I thought “If I can do this, I can do anything!” While these activities were made possible with a bit of creativity, one activity that I really never thought I’d be able to do was steer a sailboat. For one, the strength required to steer a sailboat is something I don’t possess and two, how would I even get into the boat? I’ve honestly never even entertained the thought of sailing because it truly seemed impossible (even more-so than waterskiing or rock climbing), but thanks to SEAS Sheboygan, I was once again reminded that absolutely nothing is impossible.

Adaptive Sailing in Sheboygan

While planning my recent trip to Wisconsin, I was connected with SEAS (Sailing Education Association of Sheboygan) and after a few emails where I described my disability, they assured me that I’d be able to go sailing. According to the SEAS website, “SEAS is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating affordable pathways for the community to safely enjoy boating on Lake Michigan.” They also “provide educational programming and access to boats while removing barriers to participation created by financial, physical, or cognitive needs.” In the weeks leading up to my disabled sailing adventure, I was a bit leery about the activity and wondered if I’d really be able to do it, but I wanted to at least give it a try so the countdown began.

Finally, on June 27th, 2018, the day arrived and I made my way from the Milwaukee airport straight to the Sheboygan Yacht Club (only a one hour drive), where some of the SEAS crew happily greeted me. They quickly gave my mom and I a liability form to fill out and life jackets (safety first!). Upon getting the life jacket, I said “So how safe is sailing?” and they said that they hadn’t lost anyone yet, so we should be okay. That was enough assurance for me, so I was ready to get on the water!

To actually get into the sailboat, there was a hoist attached to the dock (right by the boat) and a seat inside the boat. We managed to get a sling under me with a bit of help, and then the hoist lifted me out of my wheelchair and lowered me into the seat inside the boat. The hoist worked perfectly and the seat was pretty comfortable after I got adjusted and stabilized in it.

Now that I was in the boat, the next thing to do was figure out the best way for me to actually steer it. SEAS has found a way for literally anyone to go adaptive sailing, whether you need bite switches, a joystick, or something different. Trust me when I say that they will figure out a way for you to steer the boat.

In my case, since I have very limited strength in my hands and can’t lift my arms much, I opted for the bite switches and the most sensitive finger switches that they had. They positioned everything perfectly where I could easily reach it and after about 30 minutes of rigging everything to my specific needs, we were ready to get out in the water of Lake Michigan and try it out. Everyone loaded into the sailboat and we were off!

Our disabled sailing adventure started out great, with me in control of the boat. It was a thrilling experience to be sailing on Lake Michigan and a true bucket-list-worthy item. The sun was shining down on us and I couldn’t believe that I was actually sailing!

Unfortunately, this only lasted for about fifteen to twenty minutes because the wind stopped. In order to go sailing, you have to have some help from Mother Nature, but she just wasn’t giving us any wind on this day. We floated around out in the water for a bit longer and then had to be pulled back to the dock by another boat.

Even though this adaptive sailing experience didn’t last as long as I would’ve liked in a perfect world, it was still a wonderful introduction to the sport of sailing and I was amazed that I got to do it at all. While our time was brief, I saw just how incredible of an organization SEAS is and how determined they were to let me go sailing. It was remarkable and I tremendously appreciate them showing me that sailing is possible. Hopefully next time the wind will be more in our favor, but if not, I’m sure I’ll still enjoy the ride just as I did on this day.

To see my disabled sailing experience in action, check out this short video –

Where to Stay in Sheboygan: Blue Harbor Resort

Just a few minutes away from the Sheboygan Yacht Club was Blue Harbor Resort, where I stayed for the night of my sailing adventure. Blue Harbor is a destination in itself and would be the perfect place to relax for a weekend getaway or a longer trip. The resort is lakefront and has on-site restaurants, an indoor water park, mini golf, and more.

I stayed in a wheelchair accessible two-bedroom villa and it was honestly one of the nicest places I’ve ever stayed. The villa was extremely spacious with a full living area, full kitchen, and dining table in the front area.

Beyond the kitchen was a hallway and two bedrooms with 2 bathrooms. There was a roll-in shower that worked perfectly for me and while I used my Go Mobility travel shower chair during my stay, there was a fold-down seat in the shower.

The villa could sleep up to eight people, but there were only two of us while I was there. We truly were living the good life and after a great sailing experience, this was the perfect place to stay!

To check rates for Blue Harbor Resort, just click here.

From sailing on Lake Michigan to unwinding at a beautiful resort, my time in Sheboygan, Wisconsin was incredible. I was able to do something that I never dreamed I’d be able to, and in the most unlikely of places. If you have ever dreamed of sailing, or just discovered that you want to give it a try after reading this post, I would highly encourage you to contact SEAS. With them, there will be no limits (wind excluded) to the fun-filled adventure of sailing, no matter what your abilities are.

*Thank you to Travel Wisconsin for making this adventure possible! While my experiences in Sheboygan were complimentary, all opinions are authentic and my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you click through on a link, you won’t pay a penny more, but we’ll receive a slight commission which helps us keep this information available to you. Thanks!

My Awesomely Adaptive Sailing Adventure in Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Adaptive Sailing in Sheboygan

Where to Stay in Sheboygan: Blue Harbor Resort

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